Town of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE TOWN BOARD QUESTIONS HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES:

The Charlotte Town Board is establishing a procurement policy requiring Lewis Nickerson, town highway superintendent, to submit requisitions to town officials before buying any items costing more than $100.

Officials also directed Nickerson to return several items to a Rochester business, the costs of which were described as ‘‘way overpriced.’’ In addition, Darla Frost, town clerk, was instructed to inform the firm the town will no longer deal with the enterprise.

Varsi Peterson, town councilwoman, said a procurement policy would enable officials to maintain ‘‘a more accurate picture of budget balances,’’ and would help them keep track of outstanding invoices. Nickerson, however, insisted that some incidents require immediate attention.
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Both Russo and Ms. Peterson said they were especially concerned about several ‘‘high-priced items,’’ including three 25-foot tape measures, each priced at $89.

‘‘This (price) is absolutely outrageous,’’ Russo said.

Other purchases questioned included a box of rawhide work gloves at a cost of $554, and a 50-foot heavy-duty extension cord with a trouble light, with a price tag of $169.

The same quality gloves, Ms. Peterson said, could be picked up at local stores for between $6 or $7 a pair, while the cost per pair of those at the highway department is about twice that amount. In addition, three boxes of sunglasses — at 12 pair a box — have been purchased by the highway department at a cost of $12.95 a pair.
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Also, Gary Sargent, town supervisor, called for Nickerson to maintain daily reports on vehicle maintenance.

‘‘That kind of system gives us an immediate guide as to what repairs should be planned, and reflects the overall operational performance of each vehicle,’’ Sargent said. ‘‘We need that kind of information on our trucks.’’

‘‘If that’s what you want, then that’s what you get,’’ an irritated Nickerson said.