County updates CARE vehicle fleet

A 28-year-old vehicle at Afton residential care home CARE will be replaced following a decision from a quiet Union County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Union County officially approved replacing a van used at Afton’s CARE facility during last Wednesday’s meeting. The county had tabled the decision at the previous meeting to allow CARE to apply for the purchase through county approval.

A 2022 Chrysler Voyager will be purchased as a replacement vehicle for about $23,000. The old vehicle was recommended for replacement and sale after mechanics had said the vehicle was approaching the end of its service life.

CARE uses their vehicle fleets as transportation for the residents they serve. The journey from Afton to any amenities in Creston was considered the usual route for one of these vehicles. CARE is managed by the Heartland Management Alliance.

An additional purchase for a phone system will be accepted at a future meeting when the purchase is accepted through the county’s claims system. That system will cost the county about $8,800.

In other Union County news...

EMA Coordinator Paul Ver Meer was approved for a county credit card as part of his transition to the coordinator role. Ver Meer officially started his duties as coordinator this month following his departure as Creston Police Chief.