PERRY TOWNSHIP – The board of trustees approved the purchase of a new police cruiser in its meeting Monday.

The trustees voted unanimously to purchase a 2026 Dodge Durango from Salem Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for the police department for $44,247 and to have the new car outfitted by Hall Public Safety for $18,619.73, for a total cost of $62,866.73. Trustee Chair Steve Bailey said the cruiser was being replaced as part of the township’s routine equipment replacement schedule, and the cost had been factored into the township’s 2026 budget in advance.

The trustees also voted unanimously to authorize Firefighters Aaron Constantino and Brayden Flory to attend an Ice Water Rescue Technician Class at a cost of $150 per person for a total cost of $300. Bailey said that currently nobody in the department has the Ice Water Rescue certification, and with the bodies of water present in the township it would be useful for the department to have that training. 

Trustees also voted unanimously to pay the $75 registration fee for Fire Chief Brandon Smith to attend the FDIC International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 22-25, to pay for his accommodations for $357.82, and reimburse him for his mileage, and to approve the purchase of up to $2,000 of equipment at the convention. Bailey said the township has done so for the last several years and noted that sometimes equipment is offered at a discounted rate during the convention.

Other matters approved include annual street sweeping by Everbrite Inc. at a cost of $3,200.

The trustees also heard from resident Cindy Slavens who thanked the road department’s workers for their work keeping roads clear during the recent winter storms. Another resident also thanked the department for their work, noting that they had “done wonderful work” on West Perry Street. Bailey said he had also received calls from a few residents complimenting the department and saying the township roads look the best they have in years.

The board of trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. Feb. 23.