Wheeling council approves purchase of seven police vehicles and equipment, including three K-9 units

The Wheeling City Council on Sept. 2 approved a package of ordinances authorizing vehicle and equipment purchases for the police department.

Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the city manager to expend $284,871 with Jim Shorkey Auto Group for seven police vehicles; the procurement includes three K‑9 units and four cruisers. Council also authorized $133,006.55 with Air Comm for vehicle outfitting equipment, $33,350.01 with Motorola Solutions for cruiser radios, and $38,506 with Northside Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram for a 2024 Dodge Durango to be assigned to the police department.

City Manager Mr. Herron told the council that the vehicle acquisition was included in the city budget approved in March and described the purchase as the routine annual replacement that supports the department’s take-home cruiser program. A police department representative said the department currently has “70 to 75” vehicles on the fleet.

Council members moved, seconded and voted to adopt each ordinance. The clerk announced each motion approved; the meeting record did not include a roll-call tally for these votes during the reading but the motions were recorded as approved.

Why it matters: The purchases implement council-approved budget and fleet-replacement plans, and the inclusion of three K‑9 units was called out as a reason this year’s vehicle request is higher than typical.

Details from the meeting: Mr. Herron said the K‑9 units were added at council’s request and confirmed the acquisition maintains the city’s annual replacement schedule rather than requiring a larger one-time buy. The city had instituted a take-home cruiser program in prior years; the current purchase continues upkeep of that program.

Next steps: Vendors will be paid and vehicles outfitted per the contracts authorized by council.