Bluff City board approves first reading to buy three police cruisers using reserves

The Bluff City Board of Mayor and Aldermen on first reading approved an amendment authorizing purchase of three fully equipped police cruisers for $162,100, with the board debating the financing method and reserve use before the 3–2 vote.

Staff reported that the town’s comptroller had advised purchasing the vehicles outright from reserves rather than leasing, saying capital-asset treatment and the town’s healthy reserves made the purchase appropriate. The comptroller was quoted in the meeting as “approving it wholeheartedly” and recommending the purchase as a sound financial choice. Staff said buying the cars outright would save roughly $44,000 in interest over five years compared with leasing or loan financing.

Council members discussed staggering vehicle replacement in future budgets and creating capital-replacement funds. Staff proposed establishing two replacement funds — one for public works vehicles and one for police vehicles — and depositing money into those funds over the next five years so replacements would be funded when needed. Staff said purchasing three cars now would result in one vehicle assigned to night patrol, one to day patrol and one for the captain or administrative duties; two patrol cars would thus be visible day and night and the third would be less heavily outfitted for administrative use.

The purchase amount and timing prompted board questions. Alderwoman Payne said she wanted more detail about the reserve fund and the draft town budget before supporting purchases; she voted no. Vice Mayor Adams moved the ordinance; Alderwoman Keith seconded. Alderman Malone, Alderwoman Keith and Vice Mayor Adams voted yes; Alderwoman Payne and Alderman Johnson voted no. Board members asked for a follow-up presentation with more detailed fund and budget information before future purchases and for a five‑year capital asset management plan, which staff said they are preparing.

Staff and the chief said the town has an operational need for vehicles and that buying three now reduces immediate fiscal burden and avoids accruing additional interest expense. Staff also clarified that leased vehicles would not be capital assets until a lease-to-own option is exercised; buying now records vehicles as capital assets on the town’s books. Staff said payment would not be made until vehicles are delivered and that lead times could be long — staff estimated about a 10‑month delivery timeframe.

The ordinance will return for a second reading required for final adoption; staff said there is already money in reserves and that the comptroller’s office had reviewed the proposal.