Article 22: Department of Public Works Vehicles $353,500 – Unassigned Fund Balance

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $353,500 for the purchase of the following vehicles for the Department of Public Works: one (1) Caterpillar Loader Backhoe; and one (1) Western Star 6-Wheeler and Dump Body with Wing and Plow, or equivalents approved by Public Works, both with associated radios, lights, and equipment. Any replaced vehicles to be traded-in, or sold, as determined to be in the best interest of the Town by the Public Works Director, Town Manager, and Board of Selectmen. Said sum of $353,500 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, 2027, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required) 

What it means:  The Department of Public Works seeks to purchase two new work vehicles. Details for each are listed below:

• Replace Unit #62 – 2006 CAT 430 E Backhoe
• High Hours – used 7 days a week
• Over $48,500 for Repairs in Last 5 Years
• New 2021 CAT 420XE and associated equipment
• Replace Unit #40 – 1997 International 6 Wheel Dump
• Front Line Vehicle Snow Removal
• Over $26,350 for Repairs in Last 5 Years, Excessive Rust
• 2022 Western Star 4700SF, Wing, Plow and Equipment

Those in favor say: These vehicles are over 15 years old and have been expensive to repair over the past 5 years (almost $75,000).  They are both “work horses” and the Town needs them for daily functioning.  The existing vehicles will be sold, so that the taxpayers will benefit from whatever trade-in value they may produce.

Those against say: No one spoke against this article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact:  There would be no new tax impact, because the funds would be taken from the Unassigned Fund Balance.