Sprinter 3500 cargo van. (File Photo)
After a resident questioned Brick’s decision to purchase a large work van for its staff electrician this week, officials said the township is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars after moving away from third party electrical services.
The township council on Tuesday voted in favor of purchasing a Sprinter cargo van for $47,931, a price which was questioned by resident George Scott. Council President Paul Mummolo said for the particular size vehicle being purchased – a 3500 Series van – the price is a good one. The discussion led to a short discussion on the township’s electrical work costs over the last several years.
Mayor John Ducey said for years, the township has contracted with electricians to perform work at township facilities. When he first came into office, Brick was utilizing the services of Bahr & Sons Electrical Contractors at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars per year. In the final year of their contract, the firm charged Brick $382,000 for the work performed.
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Ducey switched to a new contractor, Antonio Santos, whose company billed the township $190,000. This year, Ducey said, Santos was hired full time as the township’s in-house electrician with an approximate salary of $75,000, plus benefits. He now performs electrical work on a daily basis for the township, and his direct hiring has saved taxpayer dollars, Ducey said.
“He brought some equipment from his business as well, but he did need a van,” said Ducey.
