Committee backs $375,000 request for next highway truck

Chair Steph Trung moved that the committee request $375,000 for the next highway truck; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously (recorded 5–0). Members said ordering or reserving funds now helps protect the town from rising equipment and parts costs.

Committee discussion reviewed current fleet maintenance costs (about $45,000 per truck annually for fuel and repairs) and a large recent repair (an oil‑pan replacement around $15,000). Committee members concluded that replacing a truck when it becomes due is more cost‑effective than repeated major repairs.