Board debates early purchase of 2026 police squad and water utility truck; consensus to wait for quotes

The Village of Hortonville Board of Trustees discussed on May 1 whether the village should buy a police squad and a water utility truck earlier than planned in the 2026 capital improvement program to guard against potential parts shortages and price increases.

Staff explained concerns about semiconductor chips and rare‑earth material supply that affected vehicle availability and pricing after the COVID‑era disruptions; they said the village’s state procurement for police vehicles may limit price increases for squads but that specialty utility chassis with a crane for lift‑station work are harder to source and price. Staff said the village has funds available in enterprise (utility) accounts and a reserve for squad replacement partly funded by the sale of a previous vehicle.

Trustees asked for ballpark prices and said they would prefer staff obtain quotes before approving any early purchases. Several trustees expressed that if a vehicle is functionally needed now, obtaining quotes and moving the purchase forward is appropriate; if not needed, it would be premature to buy early based on speculation about price changes. One trustee summarized the board’s view: if the vehicle needs replacement, get quotes; if it is merely rusty but functional, wait. Trustees did not authorize immediate purchases; the consensus was to collect quotes and return with specific numbers if a purchase is to be considered.

No formal motion to purchase vehicles early was made or passed at the May 1 meeting.