Bluff City Council approves police vehicle replacement amid fleet safety concerns

The Special Called Meeting of Bluff City’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened on May 12, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding the police department's vehicle fleet and public safety concerns. The meeting began with a discussion about the current state of police cruisers, highlighting that one vehicle had recently failed due to a malfunction in its emergency lighting system. This incident raised alarms about the reliability of the fleet, which includes six vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles, a threshold that typically signals the need for replacement.

Captain Watson emphasized the potential dangers posed by aging vehicles, presenting two hypothetical scenarios where vehicle failures could lead to tragic outcomes during emergency responses. He argued that the safety of officers and the community is at stake, advocating for the need to prioritize the acquisition of reliable patrol cars over administrative vehicles.

The conversation shifted to the need for a systematic replacement cycle for the police fleet, which has not been established in Bluff City. The board discussed the importance of ensuring that all officers have access to dependable vehicles to perform their duties effectively and safely. The Chief of Police underscored the necessity of equipping officers with the tools they need, stating that it is not merely a matter of deserving but an obligation to provide adequate resources for public safety.

A motion was made to pass an ordinance for the purchase of two new patrol vehicles, which was met with some hesitation regarding budget implications. Alderman Malone expressed concerns about financial management but ultimately supported the motion, noting that purchasing the vehicles outright would save the city nearly $50,000 in interest costs associated with leasing.

The ordinance passed with a majority vote, signaling a commitment to improving the police fleet and enhancing public safety in Bluff City. The meeting concluded with a call for better audio equipment in future meetings to ensure all voices can be heard, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve communication within the community.