LIMESTONE, Maine — The town of Limestone recently awarded bids for a new truck and backhoe, both were sold to the town at a price lower than their initial projections.’
Wheels were set in motion when Public Works Director Paul Page noted that the town’s current truck and backhoe were not likely to pass another inspection, which could result in unplowed roads and other future issues.
During an Oct. 26 Special Town Meeting, Page explained that the truck and backhoe were plagued with rust and corrosion issues. Though some members of the community were apprehensive to accept the motion to purchase new vehicles, it narrowly passed with a 17 to 14 vote.
The passing vote allowed the town of Limestone to allocate $65,000 for a new truck and $95,000 for the backhoe. Respectively, the new vehicles purchased by the town cost $53,792 and $77,400 before financing.
While financing the truck and backhoe will cause the final prices to rise, Town Manager Fred Ventresco says the ultimate cost for both vehicles will be well below what Limestone initially set aside.
The winning bid for the backhoe was awarded to Milton Cat in Brewer and the new truck bid was awarded to Caldwell’s Auto in Limestone. The truck will replace the town’s old vehicle with a 2016 Dodge Ram 5500.
“We bought just the truck and dump body, so this doesn’t include the plow,” Ventresco said. “We’re opening bids for that this week.”
Ventresco added that, with the plow, the total price for the truck will still likely be under the $65,000 the town expected to pay.
“We feel we got the best deal for the taxpayers,” Ventresco said. “We try to stretch things for tax dollars and it is difficult at times to get towns to spend money for new vehicles. We try to make them go as long as they can so they’re safe for our drivers and get all we can out of them and keep them in service as long as possible.”
The town manager said that, with the new equipment, Limestone will make an effort to prevent rust and corrosion to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
