While the winter has been more demanding on the Columbia Highway Department than in at least 10 years, one change made it a little easier to handle.
At last week’s Town of Columbia Board meeting, Highway Superintendent Mark Buddle said the town is already refilling the sand pile, the first of local towns to do so.
Councilman Bruce Learned said the Town’s salt storage building made a difference this year.
“The new building has saved a lot of money,’’ he said. “Sand used to wash away.’’
During the meeting, the Board asked Town Clerk Therese Winchester to amend the February minutes to include mention of the Board’s audit of the Justice Court.
Supervisor Nathan Seamon said Justice John Skinner began his presentation in February with the agreement to continue it at the March meeting. Skinner did not attend the meeting.
Seamon said the town’s review of the financial status of the town court will be put on hold.
The state has notified the town that it will audit the town court because of some reporting issues from 2024.
To help clear up a backlog and organize the court, Gene Doremus was hired as the court clerk.
Regarding winter, Buddle said expenses are up more than in recent years.
Overtime, he said, is the highest in at least 10 years.
Fuel has also increased.
The board agreed to purchase an extended warranty for $4,300 for the 2024 loader.
It will cover two years.
Buddle and the board discussed the value of purchasing a second loader.
Buddle said a truck ordered now would not be delivered for three years.
The board did agree to the purchase of a 2025 F-350 for $49,796.
Buddle said there are some issues with the boilers at the Town Hall.
He and the crew will try some repairs and maintenance techniques ...