In the final vote of the session, Article 34 was significantly amended to address only the most urgent vehicle needs for the Department of Public Works. DPW Superintendent Sean Patterson explained that several trucks had failed inspection due to rust or had been totaled in accidents. To be fiscally responsible, the department withdrew requests for administrative SUVs and heavy dump trucks, focusing instead on three pickup trucks for the water and wastewater divisions.

The revised appropriation totaled $300,000, funded primarily through the water and wastewater enterprise retained earnings. Patterson emphasized that these vehicles are essential for winter plowing and emergency calls. Resident Steve Lynch questioned the high cost and mileage of the fleet, arguing that vehicles should be repaired rather than replaced. However, Capital Budget Committee Chair Jack Griffin noted that the DPW had not received new vehicles in three years and that the requested trucks were necessary for public safety. The article passed comfortably, marking Patterson’s final request before his upcoming retirement.

Motion (as amended): The board of public works moves that the town vote to appropriate the sum of $100,000 from wastewater enterprise and $200,000 from water enterprise for the purchase of three new Chevrolet K2500 or equivalent pickup trucks.

Vote: Passed by Majority