Council approves purchase of two patrol SUVs and upfitting from state bid

Brighton City Council on Feb. 25 approved the purchase of two 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Explorers and related upfitting and equipment, using state bid pricing and funds budgeted through the police millage.

Chief Procter asked the council to approve the purchase as replacements for the department’s two oldest patrol vehicles. The vehicles are to be bought via state bid pricing through Longhammer Ford for $103,890; upfitting by Cruisers was priced not to exceed $60,000; in-car video and related equipment from Safe Fleet (listed in the packet as “Safely”) was not to exceed $15,000; Utech rugged laptops and docking stations were listed at $6,500; and vehicle graphics from W4 Signs were listed at $1,600. Chief Procter said the total budgeted amount for the purchases in fiscal year 2024–25 is $189,700.

Chief Procter said the two outgoing vehicles have roughly 75,000 to 85,000 miles and that using a five-year extended bumper-to-bumper warranty helps preserve resale value so the vehicles can be sold to other municipal fleets. The chief said anticipated delivery and upfitting timing is late 2025 with final outfitting around November–December if ordered now.

Council member Gibson moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded by Council member Schmank. Council voted to approve the purchase; those present voted in favor and the motion passed.

Why it matters: Replacing high-mileage patrol vehicles keeps the department’s fleet operable, and the council emphasized using state bid pricing and the police millage budget to cover costs. Staff noted timing and supply uncertainties and that approving now helps avoid potential price increases for 2026 models.