Board approves lowest-available EV cargo van bid amid rebate deadline, highway superintendent warned about discontinued models

The Town Board debated replacing an aging highway department van and voted to accept the lowest available electric-vehicle (EV) cargo-van bid on the New York State OGS mini-bid, with instructions to substitute the next-lowest available bidder if the chosen EV is no longer obtainable.

Highway Superintendent Theresa Burke presented the department's research, saying EV cargo models have been discontinued by some manufacturers and that parts/service availability is a concern. Board members noted the town has charging infrastructure and a state rebate (approximately $7,500) that reduced the effective cost if the town can purchase and register the vehicle by the program's deadline.

After discussion about range, dealer availability, hybrid alternatives and procurement options, a board member moved to attempt to secure the lowest available EV bid now and to fall back to the next-lowest available bidder if the vehicle is sold; the motion was seconded and passed by the board.

The board asked staff to contact dealers immediately to confirm availability and to return if the selected vehicle cannot be secured before the rebate/registration deadline.