Inflation bites public works fleet in Paradise

By Mark Squibb/October 7, 2022

If you’ve found yourself cutting back on making certain purchases due to the rising cost of everything, you’re not alone.

During this week’s council meeting, councillor Patrick Martin brought forward a motion to buy four new trucks for Town use.

“The Public Works Department, under council approval, budgeted to replace up to 10 light duty vehicles in 2021 and 2022,” explained Martin. “On August 16, 2022, council preapproved the Public Works Department to secure and purchase vehicles direct from the dealership based on availability and best value.”

Over the past two weeks, said Martin, the Town obtained two Chevy Equinoxes from Hickman’s in St. Johns and two Chevrolet Colorado pickups from Dennis GM in Corner Brook.

The Equinoxes each came at a cost of $32,899 HST included, for a total cost of $65,798, while the Colorados each cost $44,615, HST included, for a total of $89,230.

The combined price for all four vehicles is $155,029, which council unanimously approved.

Councilor Larry Vaters, noting the budget had allowed the purchase of up to 10 vehicles, asked whether there were plans to buy any more this calendar year.

Martin said the Public Works department is hoping to buy another four vehicles before the end of 2022. He added that due to price increases, it is unlikely the preapproved budget will accommodate the purchase of 10 vehicles as originally planned.

“Prices have gone up,” said Martin. “We’ve seen two quotes come back with substantial increases in both quotes. But I’m happy to think we’ll get another four, hopefully, by the end of the year.”

Martin added that of the four new vehicles, three have been delivered and the fourth will arrive within a couple of weeks.