Council Approves $1 Million Bond For Snowplows

With supporters saying it was a matter of urgency and that it would not affect the uncertain city budget, the City Council approved a $1 million bond to replace five vehicles in the Department of Public Works.

The council voted 5-2 Monday to approve the measure to replace three 25-year-old snowplows. The bond will also allow for the replacement of a truck used to clear storm drains and sewers and a trailer used by the solid waste division.

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Council President Michael Passero said he was reluctant to support the bond on the eve of today’s referendum on a $42.3 million municipal budget and increased tax rate. However, he said he considered upgrading the plow fleet an urgent matter and said the bond would have no impact on the debt service.

“What we’re essentially doing is earmarking money that was approved by the previous council,” said Passero.

Tim Hanser, director of the Department of Public Works, said in a memo to Finance Director Jeff Smith that dozens of municipal vehicles are in need of upgrades at an estimated cost of $3,223,825. The vehicles include 17 in the Department of Public Works, six in general government, five in the New London Fire Department, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"new-london-fire-department-headquarters"} -->, and an unspecified number in the