Town to replace old plow truck

MEXICO -- At their May 10 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to begin the process of replacing their 1987 plow truck.

That process began by agreeing to seek bids for a cab and chassis. Town Manager John Madigan said that over the summer, the dump body, rigging, sander, etc. will be put onto the truck. All told, he said the cost will probably be around $130,000.

He said that in 2006, the town purchased a 2007 vehicle, with the cab and chassis costing $54,000.

The board was also receptive with Madigan's suggestion that they look at the extra expense of a truck with an extended body.

With the high fuel costs, a truck of this type would require fewer trips with hauling sand and snow.

Money for the plow truck would be take from the capital reserve equipment account, which has $117,505 in it. Another $50,000 will be added from the proposal municipal budget.

As for the old truck, it was acknowledged that they likely won't get much for it in trade, so they might want to consider selling it outright.

In other business, the town has agreed to put out to bid two tax-acquired properties. One is at 42 Mexico Ave. and has a minimum bid of $5,000 to cover the $4,796 in taxes. The second is a 6 Yarnish Dr. with a $7,500 minumum to cover the $7,350 in taxes.

On a third tax-acquired property, at 23 Dix Ave., the town is seeking bids to tear down the building, located in a flood zone.

Selectmen approved Madigan's recommendation to have a summer intern at 20 hours a week over 12 weeks.

Joe Roach, who is working towards a graduate level public administration degree, is also the road commissioner for Peru.

Madigan said tasks he has planned for Roach include setting up a data base, helping with the payroll, and working with public works, which includes being a liason with Madigan, who is also Mexico's road commissioner.