Just as many other cities and towns struggle to survive, so does the Town of Taylor.
Last week the town council discussed the town’s inability to retire old vehicles due to the economic downturn, and accepted Town Manager Eric Duthie’s recommendation that he use his personal vehicle when traveling on town business.
The town had decommissioned a vehicle that was kept in storage, but when the wastewater treatment plant operator position was created, the only option to provide him with transportation was to reactivate that vehicle.
Town officials have explored options for vehicle replacement, but they have not been successful due to the lack of funds. As a result Duthie, with the approval of Mayor Fay Hatch and Vice Mayor Jane Lee, sought approval from the council Aug. 3 to use his personal vehicle for work-related transportation.
Duthie suggested the wastewater treatment plant vehicle once again be decommissioned and that the zoning administrator’s truck be transferred to that department. Duthie’s city truck would then go to the zoning administrator and Duthie would drive his personal vehicle for city business.
Duthie said he would pay for repairs, service, insurance and maintenance of the vehicle, and the town would reimburse him for fuel.
Councilman Gary Solomon asked Duthie if he had his own insurance package.
Duthie responded that he did, and he would pay for that.
“You’re talking about all the gas that goes in the car?” asked Councilman Shawn Palmer.
“I’m talking about out of town, Winslow to Pinetop I don’t mind covering, but when I go beyond, cover that and I just eat the local get around,” responded Duthie.
“I think that’s an admirable thing. I think a lot of people don’t realize the cost of a vehicle,” said Palmer. “The only reason I asked about the gas is for me, in my own personal case, I would say the town pay for all the gas that goes into it … the cost of the vehicle, insurance, registration, there’s a lot of cost that goes into that.”
Solomon asked Duthie if he had a monthly schedule, and asked, “Do you tell the mayor or just go?”
Duthie responded that there is a monthly meeting in Flagstaff, but he goes where he is needed and sometimes that’s a last minute call to travel to Phoenix.
Solomon then asked if it is imperative that Duthie continue attending Water Resource meetings and for what reason.
Town Attorney Sterling Solomon stopped the conversation, stating “The agenda item posted is just for the vehicle.”
“I would love to discuss that with you,” stated Duthie.
“I agree, it’s commendable by you accepting this. I think it was great and I commend you on that,” stated Councilman Alan Ramage.
“I think it’s generous on Eric’s part, but I think it’s something that needs reviewed down the road so we don’t take advantage of him,” said Councilman Mark Reed, who jokingly added, “But in the meantime, let’s take advantage of him.”
“Hopefully, down the road we can buy a new vehicle, but that’s how things are right now,” said Mayor Hatch.
A motion to ratify the town manager transportation agreement was made and passed.
