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Red Hook board approves purchase of two 1-ton Chevy pickups for Highway Department
Summary
On April 22 the Town Board unanimously authorized purchase of two 2026 3500 1-ton Chevy pickups—one not to exceed $60,000 from HT equipment funds, and one not to exceed $80,000 from the DB reserve—citing available reserves and CHIPS eligibility.
The Red Hook Town Board voted 5-0 on April 22 to authorize the Highway Department to purchase two replacement 2026 3500 1-ton Chevrolet pickup trucks, after a presentation by Highway Superintendent Theresa Burke and Deputy Highway Superintendent John Gardinier.
Burke reviewed the fleet needs, vehicle specifications, the absence of available 1-ton electric variants and recommended buying rather than leasing because available reserve funds and CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) eligibility make purchase more cost-effective over time. She recommended using HT equipment budget funds for Truck #1 and CHIPS, DB fund balance or B-fund transfers for Truck #3, which is expected to have a longer service life.
Supervisor Robert McKeon asked whether the department could trade trucks every two to three years; Burke said doing so would forfeit CHIPS eligibility because equipment purchased with CHIPS must be retained for 10 years. McKeon noted lower maintenance on EVs but accepted Burke’s point that a 1-ton EV was not yet available.
On a motion by McKeon, seconded by Councilmember Ken Migliorelli, the board authorized purchase of a 2026 3500 1-ton Chevy pickup for up to $60,000 from the HT equipment line and a 2026 3500 1-ton Chevy pickup fitted with crew cab, utility body, hitch and lift gate for up to $80,000 from the DB reserve. The motion was adopted, Ayes 5 (McKeon, Hamel, Dousharm, Migliorelli, Testa); Nays 0.
Burke said she will start the bidding process immediately to have trucks ready by winter.
