Portland purchases new highway truck
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PORTLAND -- The Town of Portland Highway Department received a significant contribution from the Town Board at a recent meeting with the approved purchase of a new truck.
The purchase price for a 2027 Kenworth cab and chassis is $214,504, with a Henderson plow, wing, and dump box for $179,204. The cost of the plow and accessories is subject to change. In total, the estimated cost is $393,708.
Ken Becker, Highway Superintendent, said that he is certain that prices will not go down. He added that the market for trucks has been challenging for municipalities around the region in recent years.
"If we're going to stay in this business and try to maintain decent equipment, this is probably something we ought to seriously think about," Becker said.
Town of Portland Supervisor Rich Lewis stated that between the Highway Department and equipment reserve funds the Town has available, there is more than enough money to cover the cost of the vehicle. Becker stated that the old truck that will be replaced once the new vehicle is delivered will be sold on auction.
The vehicle will have an automatic transmission, a first for the Highway Department, which Becker believes could entice more candidates to apply for vacancies.
The Town recently hired Biancca Riggle as a Motor Equipment Operator with the Portland Highway Department. Riggle joined the department after resigning from a similar role with the Village of Cassadaga.
Becker told the OBSERVER that he has been very impressed by Riggle's skillset and work ethic. Riggle joined the department in August, just as Craig Comstock resigned from the same role.
The department still has an open Motor Equipment Operator position. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with the Town of Portland.
The next Town of Portland Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall and Court.