By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — The proposal for a new three-quarter ton pick-up truck for the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department failed 2-3 by the Houlton Town Council at their last meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The order will be brought back to the town council at their next meeting on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. with the inclusion of a lease agreement for three years. At that time, the council can vote to amend the order for more discussion.
There is no disagreement that the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department needs a pickup to use, but council is weighing options on the best route to take.
In a previous meeting, councilors had asked for three different options to be presented — purchasing a late model truck; a new truck and a 3-year lease — with Town Manager Eugene Conlogue bringing a 2014 Ford F-250 for approval.
Chairman Paul Cleary said the last time the item was presented to council that the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department put on about 5,000 miles a year. Cleary asked why a three-year lease was not presented.
“We wouldn’t go over the lease agreement,” said Cleary. “Three years from now if we are in a better financial situation then there is a possibility we could purchase a different vehicle, a new vehicle or purchase the leased vehicle.”
Also, council was hoping to see figures not only on a three-quarter ton vehicle, but a half-ton as well. Most of the councilors agree a half-ton pickup would be sufficient for the needs of the recreation department as well as assisting with its snow removal.
“I think a half-ton is adequate to do all the plowing they need to do,” said Councilor Daniel Peabody. “I agree they need a vehicle, but with the minimal miles they put on, I think the lease is the best option for us.”
Peabody told fellow councilors he felt the three-quarter ton truck was under estimated — whether leased or purchased — in maintenance consideration.
“The one thing a lease does for us, it gets the boys in a truck and gives us a guaranteed budget factor,” he added.
The money to fund the truck for the Parks and Recreation Department would come from the $194,000 loan the town took out last spring. If the town were to purchase the new 2014 Ford F-250, there would be about $300 left in the account.
“I am not thrilled that we are finding more ways to spend that $194,000 instead of not spending that money to have less debt service to pay back,” said Peabody.
The two items that would not be funded if the town were to use the majority of the loan included the replacement of doors on the Houlton Economic Community Development office and the skate sharpener at the Millar Civic Center. The buildings account could be used to help with replacing the doors.
The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department parked their 2001 work truck and used a one-ton pickup from the Houlton Public Works Department until that no longer ran. Now, a personal vehicle is being used.
