The New Ipswich Select Board agreed to the purchase of a new waste oil furnace for the Department of Public Works during its meeting Monday.
The Select Board reviewed quotes from two companies on a new furnace: Clean Burn, which provided quotes for three different sizes of furnace, and Arrow Equipment.
Clean Burn provided quotes of $25,177 for a CB3250, $26,772 for a CB3500, or $29,886 for a CB5000. Arrow Equipment provided a quote of $30,000 for a CE440. The difference in the Clean Burn units is heating capacity and size, with the larger units producing more British Thermal Units or BTUs per hour, allowing the larger units to heat a larger space more quickly.
The cost of the furnace is expected to be covered by the town’s capital reserve accounts for building maintenance.
Department of Public Works director Peter Somero recommended to the board that the Clean Burn quote for the CB3500 be approved, which is the same size as the furnace being replaced.
“My recommendation would be to go with the same size we have or bigger,” said Peter Somero.
Select Board Chair Jason Somero questioned whether the current size was sufficient, saying that in the past it has been cited as “borderline” for the amount of square footage.
Selectman Joe Somero said it may be worth investing in the larger unit, which is only about $2,000 more, noting that over the lifespan of a furnace, the difference in price is not significant.
“I just think that for $2,000 more dollars, you’re getting 150,000 more BTUs. I think it’s worth it,” said Joe Somero.
Peter Somero said he had no objection to a larger unit, only to one smaller than the department’s current unit.
Selectman Lou Alvarez said he would also support buying the larger unit.
It was moved and seconded to approve up to $30,000 for the purchase of the Clean Burn CB 5000 furnace. The board agreed unanimously.
In other board news, the board also discussed the current rate of town spending. Currently, the town is under a default budget of $3.86 million.
Interim Town Administrator Jack Wozmak said the town has been spending about $388,000 per month, with winter still to come, which can bring unforeseen expenses from large winter storms or equipment breakdowns.
Jason Somero said the town had already had some unexpected changes impact the budget, including changes to employee health insurance policies and an increase in fuel costs.
Wozmak said the town may have to face spending cuts or freezes in some areas to reach the default goal. The board did not discuss any particular areas of spending freezes during Monday’s meeting.