Easton DPW Director: New Vehicles Will Save Town Money in Long Run

Easton Department of Public Works Director David Field is putting a plan in place for equipment and motor vehicle replacements he hopes will save the town money over time.

Field hopes to set a retirement age for each of the DPW's vehicles in order to reduce repair costs.

"We know we are keeping our vehicles too long because our maintenance costs are too high," he told selectmen last week.

This year, Field requested $435,000 for motor equipment in his capital budget. All but $35,000 was recommended by the capital planning committee.

Field and DPW workers have spent time last year analyzing highway and water department vehicles and how much money each vehicle was costing the town.

"What we did is really take a look at our fleet," he said. "We did a comprehensive vehicle inventory."

Replacing a vehicle after it has depreciated but also before maintenance costs rise too high will be beneficial, he said.

"You want to get to that sweet spot - that low spot in the U-shaped curve," he said.

Over the last three years, the Easton DPW spent $325,000 a year on vehicle maintenance and $3,400 per unit, he said. According to Field, the town should aim to spend $2,400 per unit.

Field also hopes to reduce his overall fleet by adding more multi-purpose vehicles. He plans to reduce the DPW's fleet by seven vehicles outright.

"We do want to make sure all of our vehicles are being utilized for full extent," he said.