The Worcester City Council voted to approve rate increases for certain categories of hired equipment and contractor rates for plowing and sanding while asking the administration to send the matter to committee for further discussion of winter preparedness.

Council debate focused on whether rate increases would make the city competitive for equipment and drivers. Councilor Toomey asked whether surrounding cities' rates had been compared; administration said MassDOT rates were the only published benchmark available and that a 30% increase for one vehicle class would make Worcester closer to MassDOT rates. Toomey requested additional information about competitor municipalities.

Commissioner Westerling reported the Public Works Department was short six drivers as of the morning of the meeting but said interviews had concluded and five offers were ready to extend to qualified candidates. "If all of those folks accept, [we're] in a good position to be in," Westerling said. Councilors expressed concern that even with a rate increase, the city could still struggle to attract equipment and drivers compared with neighboring jurisdictions.

The council adopted the rate changes by roll call and instructed the manager to send the matter to the Public Works Committee for additional review. Staff also told the council they would present a fuller discussion of staffing, equipment deliveries, and contingency planning for imminent storms at committee meetings and in November and December sessions.

No emergency procurement or temporary hire program was adopted on the floor at the meeting; the administration said it would continue recruiting and would report back on comparative rates and staffing levels.