Southampton approves borrowing to replace 2005 dump truck amid staffing concerns

Southampton voters on June 20 approved authorizing up to $400,000 in borrowing to replace an aging single‑axle dump/snow truck, a purchase town officials said is timed to avoid higher costs from upcoming emission standards.

Town Administrator Scott Ziemba told the meeting the funding would come from the town’s capital program and that ordering during this fiscal year could avoid cost increases tied to new emissions requirements. He gave an estimated price of $346,000 from ATG Patriot LLC and said expected annual payments might be about $68,000 depending on interest rates and loan terms.

Highway Superintendent Randall Kemp said the truck would replace a 2005 International 7600 that the town has relied upon for more than two decades and that the department operates roughly a dozen pieces of snow‑fighting equipment when fully staffed. Kemp also described long‑running staffing shortages: "the last time we were fully staffed was April of 2018," and the department regularly uses seasonal call‑in drivers.

Residents asked whether it is more cost‑effective to hire contractors for major storms rather than owning equipment; Kemp said the town relies on in‑house equipment and temporary staff because contractor availability and reliability vary.

Because the motion included bonding, voting was by paper ballot. Town officials later reported the motion passed 56 yes to 15 no.

The vote authorizes the treasurer, with select‑board approval, to borrow under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, to meet the appropriation and to follow state procurement rules.