Council has tentatively approved the purchase of an excavator and the hiring of a full time operator.
While still pending approval through the township’s 2017 budget, council approved the move in principal during a special budget meeting on Nov. 18.
Public works director Jamie Morgan explained in a report that staff identified approximately $52,000 worth of contracted third party excavator work that could be undertaken in-house if the township were to purchase an excavator and hire an operator. This does not account for the other time that the additional public works operator will spend to support other public works tasks while not operating an excavator.
Morgan noted the operator would also support winter maintenance activities and would eliminate the need for one seasonal equipment operator. The annual cost above the current staffing level to add an operator for an additional seven months, including benefits and salary would be $43,000, the report notes. The cost of an excavator and a float is estimated to be $200,000.
Morgan projects the net cost difference, including both equipment and staffing, between contracting out excavator work versus purchasing an excavator would be $10,000 to $12,000 per year.
Anticipated benefits include:
– immediate access to an excavator with no scheduling issues and greater scheduling flexibility;
– use of the operator for other public works job duties when not operating the excavator, alleviating staff shortages during peak times of the year and allowing for a fill-in for other staff during vacations;
– availability of additional winter maintenance staff during events which occur outside the seasonal staff employment period;
– potential for shared services with other municipalities and associated cost recovery; and
– potential for use of excavator on other projects as they arise.
Service review
Morgan pointed out the idea came out of a township-wide service review initiated by council earlier this year.
“Everyone knows the way to a good road is making sure your ditches are clean and you have proper drainage,” he noted, adding,
“Our roads will last longer.”
“In real terms you’re only adding about half a person,” commented councillor Dennis Craven.
Morgan clarified that there would be an additional seven months worth of staffing added if the plan is approved.
Councillor Marlene
Ottens asked if Morgan anticipated the township’s additional costs would be fully recovered through servicing sharing agreements with other municipalities.
“It’s hard to tell. It would be a pilot project,” said Morgan, adding, “Some municipalities have expressed an interest.”
CAO Brad McRoberts noted if the machine was rented out for eight days the costs would be recovered.
“As much as I support the idea, my bigger fear is that you can’t find the right operator. Without the right operator the machine is useless to us,” observed Mayor Neil Driscoll.
“I have done the background work on it,” replied Morgan.
Council approved the proposal subject to budget deliberations. There was no opposition. Councillor Lori Woodham, whose spouse works in the township’s public works department declared a conflict on the topic and abstained from discussion and voting on the topic.
