Article 13: Department of Public Works Vehicles – Unassigned Fund Balance (UFB)

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $565,000 for the purchase of the following vehicles and equipment for the Department of Public Works, one (1) Freightliner side load refuse/recycling truck, and one (1) Freightliner 16-yard rear loading refuse/recycling truck; both with associated equipment. Any replaced vehicles to be traded-in, or sold, if deemed to be prudent by the Public Works Director, Town Manager and Board of Selectmen. Said sum of $565,000 to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until these purchases are completed or by March 31, 2023, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means: This would cover the outright purchase (as opposed to a lease) of two vehicles and associated equipment.  It would reinstate Unit 92, Trash/Recycling Collection Truck (2 side arms) that is no longer in fleet (traded in 2019). This truck will put DPW back to the original 6 trucks it had prior to 2019.  Approval of the Article would also replace Unit 96 Trash/Recycling Collection Truck (Rear Loader) 2007 International truck chassis with Labrie packer. The existing vehicle has over 96 thousand miles on it and cost the Town almost $60,000 in the past 3 years in repair and maintenance costs.

 Those in favor say:  The vehicles are needed for the fleet. DPW does not have “back up” vehicles, so when one is down, it causes disruptions throughout the schedule.  This is particularly problematic in months when tourists and summer-only residents dramatically increase the town’s population.

Those opposed say: No one spoke against Article 13 at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact:  There is no new tax impact. Article 13 would allow the withdrawal of the money from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the specified purpose.