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Residents press board on highway staffing as town sets aside funds for future truck
Summary
During public comment and department reports the board heard questions about reducing highway crew from five to four and learned the town plans to set aside roughly $100,000 to fund the next truck; Highway Superintendent reported equipment quotes and one truck out of service.
A Stratford resident asked why the highway department headcount would be cut from five employees to four and whether the Highway Superintendent’s duties were changing. Allicia Rice raised the concern during public speaking on Dec. 12, asking, “what the rational was for cutting the highway department to 4 employees from 5.” Supervisor Richard Fogarty replied he had discussed the change with Highway Superintendent Lawrence Staring, and that the town would set aside about $100,000.00 so money could accumulate toward the next new truck rather than bond for it.
Highway Superintendent Lawrence Staring later told the board the crew is currently short one truck, slowing work. He presented quotes for a tailgate spreader and recommended Stahl Sales as the only dealer with the unit in stock; other suppliers reported a 2–3 week wait. Staring said Montage will hold a mower at the quoted price with a letter of intent and that he is monitoring road-diesel prices; Buell Fuels no longer has the state bid vendor contract but will continue to deliver at the state bid price.
