Council approves DOJ-funded Ford Explorer for police fleet

Clifton Heights Borough Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer interceptor utility under a Justice Department grant, borough staff said. The total cost listed was $46,243.94, including documentation fees; the purchase is fully grant-funded. Nut graf: The vehicle will be added to the borough's fleet as an unmarked patrol unit and will allow the borough to rotate older marked cars into code enforcement duties, borough staff said. Council unanimously approved the purchase by roll-call vote. The manager said this is the second vehicle purchased with the grant; the first was bought in the spring. The new vehicle will be assigned to the police chief for patrol work and will remain unmarked to allow targeted enforcement, including weekend checks of contractors and other enforcement activities. During the vote the chair and roll call recorded affirmative votes from all council members present; staff emphasized the purchase is fully covered by the DOJ grant and will reduce fleet maintenance costs over time by replacing older vehicles. Ending: Staff said the new vehicle will be used in rotation for preventive maintenance scheduling and to support unmarked enforcement as part of broader code and patrol operations.