The Town of Cobleskill is taking a look at whether bidding out things like street sweeping, snow and ice removal from downtown sidewalks, and mowing Doc Reilly Park could be money-savers.
Pointing out that shoveling downtown sidewalks often comes at the end of 12-hour days plowing roads—something that costs the town in time-and-a-half or comp time—something that leaves the Highway Department short-handed in the summer—councilmen and Supervisor Tom Murray have agreed to look at hiring someone else for the job.
Contracting with someone else with the right equipment for the work might also get the sidewalks cleared more quickly, pointed out Councilman Sherwood Veith.
Along the same lines, councilmen discussed seeking bids for sweeping the streets.
The town’s street sweeper needs repairs and would cost “six figures” to replace; hiring out the work might save money, councilmen said.
The same possibility exists at Doc Reilly Park, where the town could free up a Highway Department employee who could be better used somewhere else, they said.
When Mr. Murray asked former mayor Mark Nadeau what he thought of the idea at July’s workshop meeting, Mr. Nadeau had a “better” idea.
“We could probably save $80,000 by getting rid of [Highway Superintendent] Tom Fissell and giving it back to the taxpayers,” he said.
Who would be billed for the work was a concern, however, with some arguing the townwide tax base should not be charged for clearing village sidewalks.
“A farmer losing $20,000 a month shouldn’t have to pay for sidewalks,” Mr. Murray said.
Councilman Sherwood Veith suggested they bid it for a single year—instead of the discussed three—and set up a sidewalk district during that time.
“Let’s at least see what the cost is,” Mr.Veith said.
That prompted Mr. Murray to suggest they do away with the entire Highway Department.
“If we’re going to farm everything out, we might as well farm out the plowing too and get rid of all of the Highway Department,” he said.
“I think the whole thing comes down to management—or maybe the lack of it.”
The town agreed to seek bids for all three items as well as for the paving of Myers and Lamont District roads.
Bids will be opened Friday at a special 3pm meeting at the Mineral Springs Road office.
“The worst thing that happens is you open up the bids and say, ‘Wow!’” said Deputy Highway Superintendent Jeff Eckler.
“Then at least we’ll know.”