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Manhattan approves $157,362 for two 2025 police interceptors; board clears utility license, hires summer crews and accepts audit
Summary
The Village of Manhattan trustees approved purchases of two 2025 police vehicles for $157,362, a 99‑year public‑utility license with the Forest Preserve District, seasonal hires, and several routine financial and administrative items.
The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees on May 20, 2025 approved the purchase and outfitting of two 2025 police interceptors totaling $157,362 and passed multiple consent items including a public‑utility license, seasonal hires, and audit engagements.
Trustees authorized the purchase of a 2025 Ford F‑150 police interceptor from Greenway Auto and outfitting by EVT Technologies and Element Graphics at a cost of $89,018.79, and a 2025 Ford Explorer police interceptor from D'Orazio Ford and outfitting for $68,343.91. The purchases were described as budgeted replacements for high‑mileage units; once equipment and markings are removed, the department will auction the two retired vehicles.
Police Chief Gully said truck‑enforcement activity has generated substantial revenue in recent years, estimating that “last year, we brought in the truck enforcement alone, I believe, 250 to $300,000 in fines,” and noted that enforcement is focused on compliance rather than revenue. A board member observed that, all things equal, revenue from truck enforcement could pay off the vehicles’ cost within a few months.
Other consent items approved by the board included:
- Changing the regular board meeting date from May 20, 2025, to Thursday, May 22, 2025 (motion carried). - A resolution approving a site plan for a 20‑by‑28 pergola at Arrowhead Smoke Works (motion carried). - Authorization to hire a 2025 summer mowing crew of seven part‑time employees at $17 per hour (named hires approved on the record) and four additional part‑time summer help positions at $17 per hour. - A public‑utility license agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Will County for a 12‑inch storm sewer under the Wipanski Trail as part of the Trask Street drainage project; the agreement is for 99 years with a one‑time village payment of $4,081. - An ordinance correcting a renumbering error in the village code related to the municipal cannabis retailers tax and municipal gas tax. - Engagement of Lauderbach & Amen LLP for fiscal‑year audit services for 2025–2029, with annual audit fees estimated between $25,000 and $30,000. - Acceptance of the annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended April 30, 2024; the finance director reported a management letter was received and management will address the issues raised. - Approval of an employment agreement for Village Administrator Jeff Wold and appointment and reappointment of members to the Police Pension Fund Board and Police and Fire Commission.
Board members thanked outgoing trustees and staff, and department directors provided brief operational updates on water‑main projects, Park Street improvements, and culvert work. All consent items listed above were approved by motion and recorded roll calls as noted in the minutes.
