The Wabash County Emergency Management Agency will soon have a newer response vehicle after action taken by the Wabash County Commissioners.
WEMA Director Mark Seaton received approval to purchase a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel pickup for approximately $12,500. The truck has about 134,000 miles and is being purchased from owners Seaton knows personally in Dugger, Indiana.
Seaton told commissioners the three-quarter-ton pickup will be more practical for emergency operations than the agency's older box-style trucks, which he said are no longer well suited for the department's needs.
Before finalizing the purchase, Commissioner Scott West requested the truck undergo a mechanical inspection to check items such as the suspension and ball joints. Seaton agreed to have the vehicle inspected before completing the sale.
Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase.
The board also declared two WEMA vehicles surplus: a 1990 Chevrolet K35 box truck and a 1986 Chevrolet K30 four-wheel-drive rescue truck. Both vehicles will be sold through a sealed bid process with minimum reserve bids of $3,000 for the K35 and $4,500 for the K30.
Seaton said proceeds from the sales will be applied toward the purchase of the newer pickup. Commissioners unanimously approved the surplus declaration and sealed bid sale.