During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted significant concerns regarding the maintenance and replacement of the vehicle fleet, emphasizing the urgency of addressing funding shortfalls. The discussion revealed that the fleet has been reduced in size due to vacancies and financial constraints, which have hindered the ability to maintain adequate transportation for officers.

The fleet manager reported that the department is contractually obligated to provide take-home cars for officers on probation, necessitating a rebuild of the fleet. However, the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for vehicle purchases has been fully exhausted, leaving the department without additional financial resources.

Last year, the department was unable to access the anticipated $750,000 for fleet replacement due to salary savings impacting the budget. Currently, there is no allocation for this amount in the current year's budget, placing the department nearly two years behind in necessary vehicle replacements. Officials expressed concern that the ongoing funding issues could further complicate efforts to maintain operational readiness and support for law enforcement personnel.