Council approves police capital amendment to buy radar equipment, add vehicle lift

The Harahan City Council on Jan. 16 approved an amendment to a capital-project budget ordinance for the police department and then passed the ordinance as amended.

Proposed Ordinance 2024-26 amended Ordinance 1990 (the city’s 2024 capital budget) to provide funding for police equipment. Councilman Chatelaine moved an amendment to increase a line-item for a vehicle lift from $7,000 to $8,000 to reflect rising prices; Councilman Asbill seconded. The council approved the amendment on a 5-0 voice vote, then approved the ordinance as amended on a 5-0 voice vote.

Council discussion and staff comments described the purchases as two main items: radar equipment priced at $14,000 and an additional vehicle lift at $8,000. Council members and staff said the department’s existing lift does not have sufficient head clearance for some of the newer SUVs and trucks; the ordinance will fund installation of an additional lift at the city maintenance facility so mechanics can service the larger vehicles.

The council opened a public hearing on the ordinance; no members of the public spoke. After the votes, council members directed the clerk to note the record. The ordinance was recorded as approved by the full council.

The measure was described as a capital-fund amendment to purchase equipment and to encumber additional costs caused by price increases; no separate financing source beyond the capital-project fund was specified in the meeting record.

Council members present for the vote were Councilman Asbill, Councilman Buddy, Councilman Chatelaine, Councilman Johnston and Councilman Ricks. No votes against or abstentions were recorded.