The Lower Milford board of supervisors approved thousands of dollars in repairs for aging public works equipment July 16, despite costs exceeding the township’s equipment maintenance budget and requiring funds to be shifted from other accounts.

Board Chair Tim Cougle said money will need to be transferred from other budget areas to cover the approved projects. Supervisors authorized repairs to a 2007 International truck dump body, a 2022 Case backhoe and a 2014 International truck, but postponed a proposal to install safety strobe lighting on two utility vehicles because of the additional expense.

The quote for blasting, epoxy priming and painting the 2007 International truck dump body prompted the most discussion. At a cost of $9,000, supervisors and residents questioned investing additional funds in an older vehicle. However, the truck’s low mileage and overall reliability persuaded the board to pursue repairs rather than purchase a replacement.

Supervisors also approved repairs to the 2022 Case backhoe and a 2014 International truck. Township Manager Elizabeth Lembach and Public Works Foreman Dan Wisser worked with the vendor to have much of the work covered under warranty because similar repairs had been completed in December. The board approved just over $1,000 for the remaining engine repairs needed to return the truck to service.

With repair costs already surpassing the township’s budget for equipment maintenance, supervisors opted to delay installing safety strobe lighting on the township’s 2022 F-550 and 2021 GMC utility trucks. The board questioned the nearly $11,000 price tag and agreed to pursue a more cost-effective alternative.

Attention then shifted to staffing within the public works department. The department currently consists of one foreman, one equipment operator and one laborer, leaving one position vacant.

Wisser submitted a recommendation to promote Josh Roth to equipment operator. However, supervisors noted that several qualified outside applicants were scheduled for interviews. Township Solicitor Mark Cappuccio said the union contract allows the township to act in its best interest and select the most qualified candidate.

Despite concerns from Vice Chair Susan LaBrie about deciding before interviews were completed, Cougle and Supervisor Jason Flexer formed a majority and approved Roth’s promotion contingent upon obtaining a tanker endorsement within six months.

The board delayed action on filling the laborer position. Supervisors expressed concern that applicants might decline the position because of the salary offered. Lembach was directed to confirm candidates were aware of the compensation and to include salary information in future job postings.

Later in the meeting, supervisors reviewed proposed changes to the township purchasing policy. The board generally supported increasing the treasurer’s credit card limit, adjusting purchase order thresholds and increasing petty cash limits. Cappuccio recommended additional technical revisions and clearer language governing credit card use and processing fees.

Lembach also presented website redesign proposals from NA Studios and CivicPlus. Supervisors were encouraged to review other municipal websites and identify features they liked and disliked before deciding. The matter is expected to return for discussion at the next meeting, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11.