FARMINGTON — Selectmen on Tuesday approved spending $57,712.56 to replace a plow truck the Wastewater/Sewer Department lost in the December 2023 rainstorm and resulting flood.

Stephen Millett, head of the department, told selectmen at their Jan. 23 meeting that two plow trucks and a skid steer were deemed total losses. Bids for all three were tabled at that meeting to get additional offers and brands other than Ford.

Millett presented bids Tuesday from Home Auto Group in Farmington for the plow trucks, only one of which included a lift gate. One for $57,712.56 for a 2023 Ford F-250 truck would include installation of the plow and emergency light package, with delivery on or before Feb. 20. The other for $63,781.84 is for a 2024 Ford F-250 that included installation of plow, emergency lights and lift gate.

Millett recommended the lower offer because the lift gate is not needed immediately and can be put on later in the spring.

Chadwick-BaRoss in Bangor bid $66,000 for the skid steer, he said.

Since the last meeting, it was determined the plow and lift gates on the damaged trucks might be salvageable, but the hydraulics would need to be replaced, Town Manager Erica LaCroix told the board. The insurance company said the town could retain one vehicle, and auction the other off or salvage the plow and lift gates if it chose, she said.

Insurance would cover about $34,000 for one of the trucks.

The Wastewater/Sewer Department has $103,000 in the vehicle reserve account and more than $200,000 in the special project account, Millett said. He suggested the other plow truck could be replaced once the insurance claim was finalized.

Selectmen approved the $57,712.56 bid, and tabled replacing the skid steer and other truck until it is determined whether the plow and lift could be salvaged.

Millett expected to have more quotes at the next Select Board meeting Feb. 13.

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