Council committee forwards request to appropriate $57,000 for outfitted police SUV

The Public Welfare and Safety Committee on May 27 voted to forward a request from Police Chief Vincent Warburg to finance that would appropriate $57,000 from the general fund to the police capital budget to purchase a fully outfitted 2023 Ford police interceptor.

Committee chair Harris read the department’s request: the vehicle is a 2023 Ford police interceptor with approximately 27,500 miles, new tires and a new windshield, and it includes police outfitting such as light bars, push bumpers and interior cage. The request sought emergency wording and referral to finance.

Questions from council members focused on whether the vehicle would be ready for immediate service and on insurance coverage for the crash that damaged the current car. Director Eisman told the committee she could not confirm whether the driver involved in the crash was insured but explained the city’s insurance approach: "If they were covered, our insurance would go after them for subrogation. If they aren't covered, we would have uninsured motorist coverage."

Councilmember Heideck, speaking after consulting with the chief, said the vehicle could be in service within two weeks if the appropriation is approved. "If this passes because of all the outfitting and whatever we would need to do, it would be in service within 2 weeks," Heideck said.

The committee voted to call for the legislation and to refer the request to the finance committee for appropriation. The committee chair called the question and the motion passed by voice vote.

Outcome and next steps

The committee referred the request to the finance committee with a recommendation and asked for emergency wording. Finance will review the appropriation ordinance and determine whether to schedule the item for final legislative action.