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City staff recommends switching police fleet from Dodge to Ford after repeated mechanical issues
Summary
Public works and police staff told council the city has experienced engine and oil‑cooler failures with in‑house Dodge vehicles and said staff plans to shift procurement to Ford, which may require a future budget adjustment and an ETA of July for new orders.
City staff updated the council on ongoing fleet issues and said they plan to shift future police-vehicle purchases away from Dodge to Ford models.
Staff reported multiple mechanical failures in existing Dodge vehicles, including engine failures and oil getting into coolant that indicates failing oil coolers. Staff said there is also a current recall affecting some vehicles and that one in the shop was waiting on parts amid a nationwide shortage.
The city had pursued a 2024 purchase using remaining 2024 budget authority, but staff said timing and supply issues meant that the planned purchase did not complete in 2024 and the city no longer had access to those funds in 2025. Staff told council they had worked with local dealers and the state vehicle contract but that dealer closures and disrupted supply chains complicated the effort. Stellantis later located the previously ordered vehicles but staff said those vehicles and other warranty issues have not resolved ongoing maintenance problems.
Staff recommended moving toward Ford vehicles based on availability and reported fewer problems with Fords; they said the change may require a future budget amendment because the original plan depended on 2024 appropriations that are not available in 2025. If a new order is placed under the state contract, staff said dealers estimate a July delivery timeline.
Council asked questions about risk from Stellantis and parts availability; staff said Stellantis supplied VINs and attempted to expedite parts but that nationwide shortages limited progress. No formal council vote to approve a purchase order was recorded during the public portion of the meeting.
