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Board weighs truck replacement bids; considers reusing existing plow to cut costs
Summary
Board members reviewed six bids for a replacement truck and discussed plow availability and costs; the preferred bid was a Dodge with a plow for about $51,000, but members agreed to inventory existing plows and frames before final purchase.
Board members reviewed multiple bids for a replacement public-works truck and discussed whether to buy new plow equipment or reuse existing plows to lower cost.
The Chair said, "By far, the best one is the top one, which is the Dodge with the plow for 51 and some change," and noted that several other bids did not include plows. The Chair and other members discussed that a straight-blade plow cost about $7,000 and a V-plow about $9,000, and proposed compiling a complete inventory of plows and frames to determine what will fit and whether the town can avoid paying full accessory prices.
Why it matters: the town must replace an aging vehicle to maintain winter maintenance and other DPW operations; decisions about buying a truck with a plow or buying a plow separately affect near-term capital spending and inventory management. Members agreed not to finalize the purchase that night and directed staff to return with an inventory and compatibility information.
Next steps: staff will prepare a complete inventory of existing plows and frames and report back so the board can finalize procurement.
