Select Board and FinCom continue debate over DPW garage, fleet and staffing options

Select Board members, town staff and finance committee representatives used Dec. 15 to revisit the Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and fleet proposals and to address questions raised during earlier joint meetings.

Town staff responded to three recurring concerns: whether mechanics could be outsourced, whether office/supervisory staff could be moved to remote locations, and whether the highway fleet contained redundant vehicles. Staff argued that retaining on‑site mechanics is cost‑effective and essential for rapid response during storms and emergencies; outsourcing mechanics, staff said, would create higher ongoing labor and transport costs and reduce responsiveness. Staff cited sample contractor labor rates and practical constraints for a municipal fleet of approximately 100 vehicles.

Board members also discussed keeping a number of reserve vehicles because equipment lead times can exceed a year (for example, an aerial lift truck formerly had an 18‑month lead time). Finance committee members appreciated a clearer presentation of alternatives and recorded pros and cons of various options; the board and FinCom agreed to continue vetting long‑term capital and operating tradeoffs. Several Select Board members said they respected the finance committee’s role and supported additional public information to document the analysis.

What’s next: staff will continue to refine cost estimates, the DPW project design and operational options and will return with more detailed financials and supporting documentation for future Select Board and FinCom consideration.