BRATTLEBORO — The Department of Public Works and the Fire Department have new vehicles coming their way, thanks to Brattleboro's fiscal year 2012 capital improvement plan.
The Selectboard approved bids for one Fire Department and five Public Works Department vehicles.
Fire Chief Michael Bucossi said five dealerships responded to the department's requests for bids on a new pickup truck. The bid amounts ranged from $29,950.25 to $38,575.00, said Bucossi.
The Selectboard approved Bucossi's suggested offer made by Ford of Brattleboro for $29,950.25. The Fire Department had budgeted $30,000 for the new truck.
According to Public Works Director Steve Barrett, his department had budgeted through the capital improvement plan to replace six vehicles and equipment, totaling $338,503.45.
Upon Barrett's suggestions, the Selectboard approved a half-ton truck at $22,917.45; a 4x4 compact sport utility vehicle for $15,090; a sewer jetting machine for $61,242; a dump truck, including a sander equipment package, for $133,884; and a sidewalk tractor for clearing snow for $103,630.
All the bids came in considerably under budget, said Barrett.
During his tenure, former Finance Director John Leisenring had worked with town officials and department heads to develop a capital improvement plan budgeting for new fleet vehicles at planned intervals.