Council OKs purchase of detective vehicle from CIP funds and allows staff to buy some equipment early to offset next year’s costs

The New Richmond City Council approved the purchase of a lightly used Jeep Grand Cherokee as a detective vehicle, recommending a purchase price of approximately $29,091 with a $1,000 maintenance package and up to $10,000 to outfit the vehicle, using previously authorized 2025 CIP funds.

City staff explained that the initial preferred Ford Edge (6,300 miles) had been sold when inspected, and so they recommended the available Jeep Grand Cherokee (about 50 miles, new‑vehicle warranty). The council was told $50,000 had been budgeted in the 2025 CIP for the detective vehicle purchase; after the vehicle purchase, staff proposed using remaining CIP funds to purchase equipment (light bars, radar units and similar items) that would otherwise be needed for 2026 vehicle replacements. The intent is to reduce the amount to be borrowed in 2026 and potentially achieve economies of scale by buying some equipment early, subject to finance department approval.

Council members discussed anticipated service life and warranty benefits of the recommended vehicle; staff said the vehicle would come with a new‑vehicle warranty and is expected to last longer than an older used vehicle. The motion to approve the recommended purchase and associated maintenance/outfitting expenditures passed on recorded vote. One alderman recorded an abstention on the vote for the vehicle motion; the rest voted yes.

Staff said that the 2026 CIP currently shows a replacement schedule for two patrol vehicles and a detective vehicle, and that staffing considerations could change equipment needs; any use of remaining funds to pre‑purchase equipment for 2026 would require agreement with city administration and finance.