Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $38,743 vehicle for district public safety after debate over staffing
Summary
The board approved purchase of a 2025 Dodge Durango for $38,743 for the Department of Public Safety amid debate over whether a vehicle should be purchased for a position funded by a short-term grant; public safety staff said dedicated vehicles improve response across district properties.
The Coatesville Area School District board approved the purchase of a 2025 Dodge Durango from New Holland Auto Group for $38,743 for the Department of Public Safety after extended discussion about staffing and vehicle use. The item was presented by operations staff as a recommended purchase for district public safety operations.
One board member urged delaying the purchase because the additional officer tied to the vehicle is funded by a one-year grant and the district should reassess vehicle needs after the grant period. "I think we should reevaluate after a year and see if we actually need an extra vehicle," a board member said. The district's public safety director responded that officers do not share vehicles currently and that the department handled roughly "900 calls last year," arguing dedicated vehicles improve response across multiple buildings.
Public safety staff said officers are dispatched across district properties and having vehicles improves response time and coverage; they added vehicles could be repurposed or sold if staffing changes. Despite concerns, the motion to approve the vehicle purchase passed on a roll-call vote.
