Township buys used Tahoe for emergency services and approves take-home policy

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5 authorized purchase of a 2019 Chevrolet Special Service Vehicle Tahoe from West End Fire & Rescue for $51,000 and approved a policy allowing a take-home vehicle for the Emergency Services Administrator.

Township Manager Jill Lovett told the board the vehicle has about 54,000 miles, includes emergency lighting, siren and radio equipment, and that the negotiated price is lower than the amount budgeted for a similar emergency-services vehicle in the 2026 budget. Emergency services representative Charley Westcott said the Tahoe had been well maintained.

Chairman Rob Kole moved to approve the purchase and the board voted unanimously. Vice Chairperson Jennifer DeGaetano then moved to approve a policy permitting a take-home vehicle for the Emergency Services Administrator; that motion also passed unanimously. Minutes indicate staff recommended the purchase based on comparative pricing, Kelley Blue Book research and quotes for lighting packages if a vehicle without equipment were procured.

The minutes do not specify the funding source or whether the purchase will come from the capital budget, reserve funds, or grant proceeds. The policy text was not included in the minutes; the board approved the policy on a unanimous vote and staff will implement the policy and vehicle acquisition steps.