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Committee approves two Mavericks for community service officers after brief debate on towing and funding

5955533 · October 1, 2025
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Summary

Aldermen questioned vehicle choice and cost before approving a $60,570 contract for two Ford Mavericks for police community service officers; city staff said funding comes primarily from the DUI asset‑forfeiture fund.

The Committee of the Whole on Sept. 30 approved ordinance 2025-3-87 authorizing the Springfield Police Department to purchase two Ford Mavericks from Marl Brothers Ford Inc. for an amount not to exceed $60,570.

The item prompted questions from Alderman Gregory and others about the vehicles’ intended use, towing capacity and comparative cost versus the Ford Focus models previously used by community service officers. “These vehicles are for our community service officers,” an alderman asked, seeking clarification whether the vehicles were for a traffic unit. The chief replied that the department has three community service officers and that two Mavericks would replace two Ford Focus vehicles that were “in pretty bad shape.”

The chief explained the Mavericks were chosen because they can tow equipment the officers are expected to move, including the SkyWatch camera trailer and a signage trailer used for traffic direction at events. When asked whether the Mavericks are hybrid models, the chief said he did not believe they were.

An alderman asked about funding; the chief said “a majority of this money, I believe, came out of our DUIF fund, which is our DUI asset forfeiture fund.” After discussion the committee moved to a voice vote; the ayes were recorded as having it.

The ordinance passed by voice consent with no roll‑call tally recorded in the meeting transcript. The committee directed the Police Department to complete delivery and update fleet inventory records following vehicle acceptance.