Bluff City OKs $162,100 to buy three police cruisers; 4–1 vote

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Bluff City approved Ordinance 2025‑005 to authorize $162,100 for the purchase of three police cruisers, with funds drawn from municipal surplus. The ordinance passed by a 4–1 roll call vote.

Board members and police leaders described a stressed fleet: the department has six vehicles with 100,000 miles or more, one vehicle experienced an electrical failure earlier the same day, and officials warned that further failures could delay officer response or create safety risks. Police leadership urged starting a regular replacement cycle for the fleet to avoid emergency breakdowns and safety exposure.

Speakers discussed the intended use and assignment of the three new vehicles. Department leaders said two vehicles are designated for patrol use and one is intended to be an unmarked administrative vehicle with interior light bar placement; they added that supervisory and training duties also require reliable, presentable vehicles when representatives attend conferences. The department noted that two officers with reliable driving histories would receive newer patrol cars first; leadership explained their approach to matching newer cars to seniority and driving record rather than assigning the newest vehicles to recently hired officers.

Financial details disclosed in the meeting: the purchase will be paid from the city’s surplus (not from general fund operations), which board members said preserves operating budgets while placing capital back on the books. One board member noted that buying outright saves roughly $50,000 in interest compared with a financing/lease approach. A board member who reviewed city financials described surplus balances and said she felt comfortable approving the purchase while noting additional fleet and public‑works replacements are forthcoming.

Board procedure: Vice Mayor Adams moved to pass Ordinance 2025‑005; Alderman Keith seconded. The roll call was: Alderman Payne — no; Alderman Malone — yes; Alderman Keith — yes; Vice Mayor Adams — yes; Alderman Johnson — yes. The ordinance passed 4–1.

Implementation items discussed included decal/signage costs (department estimated $500–$800 per vehicle for striping and markings), assignment of which older vehicles would be retained or retired based on repair history, and vendor timing. Department speakers estimated vehicle upfitting and decal work would be coordinated with local sign vendors and could proceed after delivery.