Committee approves hybrid police vehicle purchase after extended debate; one member abstains

The Township Committee voted to approve Resolution 129-25, authorizing the purchase of a hybrid police interceptor, after an extended discussion about performance, fuel savings and fleet strategy at the May 21 meeting.

Committee members debated whether to test a single hybrid vehicle or to purchase multiple hybrids immediately. One committee member proposed amending the resolution to buy one hybrid and one gasoline-only cruiser so the department could compare real-world performance; that amendment did not receive a second and was not adopted. Supporters cited manufacturer and industry material saying hybrids can reduce fuel consumption and idling costs for patrol use. Other members urged caution and recommended obtaining local operational data because police vehicles idle and run electronics at higher rates than passenger cars.

On the roll-call vote approving Resolution 129-25, most members voted in favor and one member abstained. The meeting record shows the roll-call outcome as: yes votes from a majority of committee members and an abstention from one member; the mayor certified the approval and the clerk was directed to publish the required notice.

Committee discussion also referenced a 2022 municipal resolution supporting purchases of hybrid or electric municipal vehicles when feasible; some members urged more rapid adoption consistent with that policy, while others sought additional local operational data before committing to a larger procurement.

The committee did not adopt the suggested amendment to purchase one hybrid and one gasoline vehicle; the approved resolution proceeds with the hybrid purchase as presented to the committee.