Public Safety Committee forwards resolution to buy four unmarked vehicles for Huntington Police

The Huntington Public Safety Committee voted unanimously April 20 to forward Resolution 2025-R-43 to full council, recommending Mayor Farrell be authorized to contract with Dutch Miller Chevrolet to buy four unmarked vehicles for the Huntington Police Department.

Capt. Mike Charney of the Huntington Police Department told the committee the department requested the purchase to support its criminal investigations bureau. "The police department is requesting city council's authorization for mayor Farrell to contract with Dutch Miller Chevrolet to purchase 4 unmarked unmarked vehicles to support operations of our criminal investigations bureau," Charney said. He said the package includes one new vehicle and three used vehicles and that "the vehicles will be road ready upon purchase."

Charney said Dutch Miller Chevrolet qualified for a 4% pricing preference because of its location within Huntington city limits and that the vendor provided lower prices for each vehicle even without the preference. "Pricing for compatible, comparable vehicles of the same make and model were sought out and Dutch Miller provided lower prices for each of the 4 vehicles even without the 4% purchase," he said. He told the committee the total cost will be $88,092 and that the purchase will be funded from "the existing asset forfeiture justice funds." He added, "No matching or general funds are required for this purchase."

A committee member asked whether the purchase was put out to bid: "Was this the only bid for this purchase?" Charney replied, "This was not the only bid. It was not put out to a bid, bid purchase process because of the unique nature of each 1 of the vehicles that were selected." The exchange indicates the department solicited price comparisons but did not use a formal public bid process because it selected individually unique vehicles.

After questions, a committee member moved to forward the resolution to full council with a favorable recommendation; another member seconded the motion. The committee proceeded by voice vote and the chair announced, "Any opposed? Hearing none, the resolution will be forwarded to full council with a favorable recommendation." Council Member Miss Therese agreed to sponsor the resolution at the full-council level.

The committee did not take final action to purchase the vehicles; the measure will go to the full Huntington City Council for final approval and contracting authority.