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Erie County approves $650,265 for new Jet Vac truck and portable traffic signals
Summary
Erie County Commissioners approved purchasing a Jet Vac truck ($585,965) and portable traffic signals ($64,300) from the County Engineer’s 2025 funds, citing reserve funds of $5.1 million; other equipment requests will be revisited in the 2026 budget.
County Administrator Hank Solowiej told the Erie County Commissioners on June 16 that the County Engineer had submitted six equipment outlay requests for 2025 and that two of those items would be funded this year. The Board voted to approve the purchase of a Jet Vac truck for $585,965 and portable traffic signals for $64,300, using 2025 funds.
County Engineer Eric Dodrill told the Board that two Ford F250 trucks identified for replacement are each more than 20 years old and heavily used, and that repair costs on existing vac trucks are becoming excessive. Dodrill said buying one new Jet Vac truck would meet the county’s needs while also supporting townships and villages. Solowiej confirmed the purchases could be funded from the Engineer’s reserve balance, which he said totals $5.1 million.
Dodrill also said the Jet Vac truck and portable traffic signals are the office’s top priorities for 2025. He noted the Department of Environmental Services (DOES) has a vac truck that might be shared in some circumstances, but that vehicle could be unavailable during storm backups when multiple jurisdictions are affected.
The Board agreed to revisit the remaining requested items — a dovetail trailer ($42,941), two replacement Ford F250 trucks (listed at $49,463 and $45,633) and a $5,200 lift gate — during 2026 budget discussions.
Separately, Dodrill reported limited progress on roundabout design despite the county’s purchase of design software three years ago and said he has reassigned staff duties to prioritize design work; Commissioner Old commended his approach to staffing without adding headcount.
The Board also approved a Personnel Action Form for The Meadows at Osborn Park to hire Tashyra Porter‑Martin as a full‑time STNA, effective June 17, 2025.
The purchases were approved during the June 16 meeting; the Board did not approve the remaining equipment requests and directed staff to reconsider them during the 2026 budget process.
