Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves ordering two police squads for 2026, directs staff to pursue hybrid option if cost delta is small
Summary
Trustees authorized staff to place orders for two police squad vehicles for 2026 and asked staff to prioritize hybrid models if the additional cost per vehicle is under $5,000; one squad replacement will be covered by insurance proceeds after a recent total-loss.
The Village Board authorized the police chief to place orders for two replacement squad vehicles for 2026 and gave staff direction to seek hybrid models if the incremental cost per unit is less than $5,000. Trustees emphasized the benefit of reduced idle hours and lifecycle cost for hybrid squads while noting earlier maintenance concerns with an earlier hybrid model.
Staff and trustees discussed lead times, the state purchasing contract and potential differences in price between hybrid and conventional models. The chief said if incentives and contract pricing were favorable he would prefer two hybrids; otherwise he would order one hybrid and one conventional squad. Trustees then amended the motion to instruct staff to pursue two hybrids provided the cost delta remained below $5,000 per vehicle; the board approved the amended direction. The chief also reported that one squad was a total loss and the insurance proceeds would cover replacement costs for that vehicle.
Why it matters: replacing aging public-safety vehicles is part of the village’s fleet plan and affects budget planning and capital-outlay timing. The board’s direction balances lifecycle cost considerations with the need to secure vehicle orders amid uncertain lead times.
Next steps: staff will confirm state-contract pricing and hybrid availability, finalize order details with the vendor and return any necessary budget and procurement paperwork consistent with the village’s budget process.
