Franklin Township acquired their long-awaited new Ford 550 truck on Jan. 21 to replace the almost 15 year-old road maintenance truck.
The new truck cost the township $58,000 and will be used as an all-purpose vehicle to aid in plowing and salting the roads as well as other errands such as brush pick-up and gravel hauling.
According to township trustee Don Cook, "The new truck is smaller than the truck the township got rid of, so we can get it in more places and use it better."
The truck was ordered in July and was expected to arrive on Oct. 22. Due to continued complications, the Ford manufacturer upgraded the truck at no additional expense to the township. The upgrade included power windows and locks, and added equipment.
The truck is currently in service, plowing and salting roads.
The township is also working to purchase new vehicles for the police department within the next few months.
Franklin Township Police Chief Mike Castle is expected to compose a proposal in order to outline the specifics of necessity and practicality before a final decision is made on the cost, amount, and make of the cars purchased.
