The Narberth Borough Finance Administration Committee received an informational update on the borough’s purchase of a Chevy Blazer electric police vehicle at its Jan. 16 meeting.

Board Manager Maggie Dobbs said the vehicle purchase was previously authorized in the budget; the current item reflects the base cost of the vehicle, with separate upfitting costs still pending. Staff estimates delivery of the vehicle within a few weeks. Public Works Manager Jeff Eldon identified the purchase opportunity and Dobbs credited him with locating a vehicle that otherwise might have been subject to a one- to two-year waiting list.

Committee members discussed charging logistics after Chief String reported intermittent conflicts at the public charging station near the borough parking lot when members of the public used the chargers the police need. Chief String said police generally keep charge levels above about 60% and typically operate locally, reducing immediate range concerns, but the committee acknowledged that expanding the EV fleet will increase demand for charger access.

Dobbs and committee members discussed options including installing a second charger in the public works yard that would be reserved for police use, or adding a fast charger in that location. The committee did not direct formal capital spending at the meeting but asked staff to continue evaluating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure as the fleet grows.