Council approves fund transfer for second replacement water truck

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Shelburne Town Council has approved a transfer of funds to purchase a new water truck. 

During a special budget framework meeting on Monday (Nov. 29), Council received a report from treasurer, Carey Holmes, to transfer just over $120,000 from development charges into a water reserve to purchase a second new water truck. 

The new water truck will be replacing the town's current 2008 model. 

“In the 2022 budget, we have included the purchase of another replacement truck for the 2008 truck,” Holmes told councillors at the Nov. 29 meeting, adding that once replaced the plan is to sell the 2008 model. 

The Town of Shelburne purchased its first replacement water truck in 2019, which was at the time intended to replace the existing 2008 truck. After taking possession of the 2019 Ford F550 in February of 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2008 water truck, which was intended to be sold, remained in service. 

“We ended up keeping that old water truck in order to allow staff to work independently, and with social distancing protocols. That still remains the case today,” said Holmes.  

Holmes noted as part of the 2022 budget the Town will be seeing realignment with staffing, including the movement of a public works operator moving to the water and sewer department full-time. 

With Shelburne experiencing high growth, and the water and sewer department growing to three staff members, Holmes said going forward the Town will need two water trucks. 

The original replacement vehicle was forecasted in the 2019 water budget to cost $106,000, with the actual cost being $121,104.59. The purchase, considered not eligible for development charges, was funded through the water reserves and the water and sewer rates. 

According to the Nov. 29 report, the replacement vehicle is included in the 2022 draft budget in the amount of $132,000. 

With two new water trucks, the town plans to sell its 2008 truck and declaring it surplus. The vehicle can be sold through a used vehicle auction or advertised for public tender for bidding. 

Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson questioned how other municipalities have handled the selling of surplus equipment to maximize returns. 

“If they feel they've had better returns in one form or the other, then maybe that's what we should be pursuing,” said Anderson. 

Staff noted that it will likely be at least a year before the Town receives the new water truck after ordering it.