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Franklin County approves grant request for two drug-task-force vehicles
Summary
The Franklin County Commissioners on Oct. 15 approved a Department of Community and Economic Development grant application of a little more than $82,000 to buy two vehicles for the county drug task force to replace aging fleet vehicles, supporters said.
The Franklin County Commissioners voted Oct. 15 to approve a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for a little more than $82,000 to purchase two vehicles for the county drug task force.
District Attorney Ian Brink told the commissioners that most of the task force fleet “is kind of pathetic,” with many vehicles having more than 100,000 miles. Brink said one vehicle would be reserved for undercover task-force work and the other would be available for detectives and investigators to respond to incidents and travel for investigations.
The grant application was prepared with help from Melody Hoff in the grants office and with input from Chief Detective Scott Marmer, Brink said. He told the commissioners that changes to state forfeiture rules reduced the department’s ability to acquire vehicles through asset forfeiture, prompting the request for grant funding.
The commissioners moved and seconded approval; the motion passed. Commissioners expressed support for using grant funds rather than county tax dollars.
Votes at a glance - Approval of evening agenda: motion approved (audio record: "Aye"). - Approval of minutes from Oct. 8: motion approved (audio record: "Aye"). - Consent agenda: motion approved (audio record: "Aye"). - DA grant application (Department of Community and Economic Development, ~ $82,000 for two vehicles): motion approved (audio record: "Aye; Motion passes").
Why it matters: County law-enforcement leaders said aging vehicles increase maintenance costs and create safety and operational problems when officers must use personal or unreliable vehicles at scenes. The grant would fund one vehicle set up for undercover surveillance and one for detective response, officials said.
What commissioners heard: Brink described examples in which detectives and prosecutors struggled to get to scenes using unmarked or personal vehicles, saying that a county vehicle helps ensure timely, safer response. He also said that drug offenders have increasingly structured purchases and leases to avoid asset forfeiture.
Next steps: The county clerk recorded the motion as approved at the Oct. 15 meeting. Brink indicated he and the grants staff will proceed with the application to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
