Cheshire trims cruiser purchase to two units this year; department says extra‑duty revenue covers replacements

The town’s proposed FY25‑26 capital budget was revised to request two police cruisers instead of four after council and department staff discussed fleet age and extra‑duty revenues. Police officials told the council the department typically requests four vehicles per year to maintain a steady replacement cycle; staff recommended buying two this year and delaying the other two to maintain budget flexibility. Council members asked whether cutting two vehicles this year would create a backlog; police representatives said no catch‑up purchase would be requested next year and that the department could absorb a two‑vehicle reduction this year. Chief Jordan and the department’s fleet manager, Kevin, described the fleet’s replacement program and said high idle hours on patrol vehicles produce effective mileages that are much higher than odometer readings. Town staff and a representative noted a program charging $35 per hour for police use on inspection‑duty and other extra‑duty jobs has produced substantial revenue ($226,425 last year, $258,905 this year in reported figures) and is projected to produce roughly $250,000–$300,000 next year at current rates. Town staff said that revenue flows into the general fund rather than a dedicated cruiser account; historically it has roughly covered the cost of multiple cruiser purchases. Department staff discussed vehicle makes and availability: Ford sedans are no longer in production, Tahoe models have been reliable but expensive, and the department has recently had good results with Dodge Durangos; delivery times can range from about one to three months depending on model and state bid availability. Police staff urged that continuing to replace vehicles on a steady cadence avoids a concentrated wave of retirements and large future repair costs. No formal appropriation or vote on the cruiser line item occurred at the July 23 meeting; the discussion informed the council’s capital priorities and staff recommendations for the August vote on the capital budget.