The City Council on Aug. 25 approved the fire department’s request to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe from Berger Chevrolet for $53,949 to replace a 2016 Ford Explorer that staff said had become unreliable.

Fire Chief Conrad explained the replacement will allow the 2021 Ford F-150 currently used as the command vehicle to be reassigned as a utility vehicle while the Tahoe will serve as the primary command vehicle with greater secure storage capacity for command gear.

Funding for the vehicle was approved in the FY 2025–26 budget in the amount of $56,000, staff said. Materials provided in the packet included the state procurement contract, specification sheets and a vendor quote. Staff said the Tahoe is the state police version and includes wiring; only limited costs are expected for lights and a radio, and the department has a radio in stock.

Council member Bogart moved to approve the purchase. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.

Council asked whether customizations would be required and staff replied that the vehicle comes configured with police wiring and will require minimal additional equipment; staff also confirmed the vehicle will be delivered in white.