Caswell County Board approves 4WD upfit for replacement service truck, will pay small upfit from local funds

The Caswell County Board of Education voted to accept a state-provided replacement 3/4-ton service vehicle and authorize a local funds upfit to add four‑wheel drive and other options. The board carried the motion 5–2.

Transportation staff told the board the state will provide a base 3/4‑ton truck at no cost but that adding four‑wheel drive, an extended/crew cab or a service/body toolbox would require local funds. Staff recommended the four‑wheel‑drive upfit at an estimated cost of $2,571 so the vehicle can be used by mechanics and transportation staff in inclement weather and to better carry tools and equipment. “On occasions… mechanics have to go out when it is snowing,” an operations staff member said, describing the operational need for 4WD and an enclosed tool body.

Board members asked about alternative options (a cargo van and reusing existing service bodies) and whether the vehicle would be used by maintenance, transportation or other departments. Staff clarified the vehicle would remain assigned to transportation and that the district could, if desirable, transfer existing service body equipment to the new chassis.

A motion to follow the superintendent’s recommendation to order the 3/4‑ton truck with four‑wheel drive and the requested upfit passed by voice with an announced tally of 5 yes, 2 no; two board members were recorded as opposing the motion. The board directed staff to proceed with the purchase and to use capital/local funds for the optional equipment.

The replacement decision met an Oct. 31 deadline imposed by the state vehicle allocation program. Staff said there is no guarantee a similarly equipped vehicle would be available later without additional local expenditure.