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Committee warned emissions rules could add about $45,000 to vehicle costs; DEC sign-off may be needed this year
Summary
Ben Smith told the committee tariffs and emissions-system requirements could trigger roughly $45,000 in extra penalties on new vehicles; he urged seeking DEC approval this year to avoid that fee under pending state mandates.
Procurement timing and regulatory requirements were raised as factors that could materially increase replacement costs. Ben Smith warned that emissions-system rules and potential tariffs could significantly raise vehicle prices if ordering is delayed.
"We are facing possible tariffs and about $45,000 extra penalty fee because of the emissions systems on the new vehicles we would need," Ben Smith told the committee. He said the town needs DEC approval this year to order a vehicle without paying that penalty and cautioned that the option "may not be available next year due to Governor Hochul's mandates." Committee members discussed that timing and regulatory approval will influence the replacement schedule and capital budgeting decisions.
The committee noted the regulatory risk and agreed that procurement staff should explore DEC approval options and factor potential penalties into cost estimates.
