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Council approves purchase of four used police vehicles as budget-saving measure
Summary
To expand available fleet without buying four new patrol cars, the council approved purchase of four used, fully equipped law-enforcement vehicles; staff said the move will free newer vehicles to return to patrol duty and create spare capacity.
The Town of Smithfield council approved the police department's request to purchase four used, fully equipped law-enforcement vehicles from a vendor the department has used previously.
Chief of Police told the council the department will place three of the newly purchased vehicles with administrative captains and lieutenants, freeing up their current, lower-mileage marked patrol units to return to street patrol. "We'll be able to take 3 of the vehicles that these people are currently assigned to, which are fully equipped, law enforcement, patrol vehicles and assign those back to patrol officers," the chief said.
Council members questioned mileage, lifecycle and net savings. A member pointed out the budget originally accounted for two new vehicles at an estimated budgeted cost of roughly $138,000; the chief said buying four used vehicles would require an estimated $108,000 outlay and provide four serviceable units now, with some tradeoffs on long-term maintenance and lifecycle costs.
Council members praised the chief for seeking a cost-saving approach and noted that assigned take-home vehicles generally show better maintenance and accountability. A motion to approve the purchase was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. The chief said the purchase will provide spare vehicles and improve fleet readiness while the department remains fully staffed.
