Oshtemo Township’s board is still deciding whether the fire chief’s next vehicle should be electric, after a detailed discussion left real disagreement on the table and no vote taken.
Fire Chief Greg McComb brought the board two options to replace the chief’s vehicle: an electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup, priced around $61,000 after rebates, or a traditional gas-powered Ford F-150 Police Responder package, priced around $58,500. Township Attorney James Porter, in a memo prepared ahead of the meeting, presented both options neutrally, laying out operational tradeoffs rather than a recommendation. His memo noted a real facility complication with the electric option: the fire station’s current sprinkler system hasn’t been confirmed adequate for indoor EV charging or storage, meaning the Township would likely need to build outdoor covered parking with dedicated charging equipment if it goes electric.
Board members were split. Trustee Kristin Cole, who was excused from the meeting, submitted written comments opposing the EV option, citing reduced cold-weather range, long recharge times, and the risk of a dead battery stranding the vehicle at a fire scene. Clerk Dusty Farmer, who owns an EV herself, said she supports the Township eventually moving toward electric vehicles but isn’t convinced an emergency vehicle should be the department’s first test case, suggesting a building inspection vehicle might be a better place to start. Other board members, including at least one who owns the same model truck personally, pushed back on those concerns, arguing the power draw from onboard equipment would be minimal and that the vehicle could reliably power itself for extended periods.
No budget amendment was on the table at this meeting, and no motion was made. The board agreed to continue the discussion at its next meeting so Cole and Treasurer Clare Buszka, both absent, can weigh in directly.
