Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grant Funded Purchases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Weslaco approves grant‑funded vehicle and equipment purchases including hybrid trucks and electric bikes
Summary
Using an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, the commission approved purchasing two Ford Maverick hybrid trucks ($58,506) and five electric bikes ($12,749.96) to be fully reimbursed by the grant; staff said bikes will be used for special events and trucks for public works.
The Weslaco City Commission approved several grant‑funded equipment purchases on Dec. 17 intended to increase efficiency and event‑day mobility.
Staff reported the city received an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant of $71,255.96; of that amount, $58,506 was allocated for two Ford Maverick hybrid trucks for the public works department and the remaining $12,749.96 was designated for five electric bikes for the Weslaco Police Department. The purchases are fully reimbursable through the grant and require no local matching funds.
City staff said the hybrid trucks are compact, hybrid pickup‑style vehicles intended for administrative and light field uses, and the police bikes will be used at special events such as 5Ks, festivals and downtown activities; training and safety equipment for officers will be provided. "We will include training for our officers to be able to use the bikes as well," the police chief said.
Commissioners approved both purchases by motion; staff noted that quotes were obtained as required (three quotes for bikes and lowest‑price vendor selected). The purchases are expected to be reimbursed in full under the grant program and thus have no immediate net cost to the city's general fund.
