Bluff City board directs attorney to draft ordinance after police vehicles fail; options include repairs or five-car purchase

At a Bluff City workshop meeting, board members heard that multiple Bluff City Police Department vehicles are inoperable or nearing failure, and they directed the town attorney to draft an ordinance to place a possible five-vehicle purchase on the next meeting agenda for first reading.

The discussion focused on immediate reliability and safety concerns for officers. "Properly working vehicles are paramount in officers' ability to preserve order in the town, protect the inhabitants and property there in from violence, crime, and all criminal acts," Mayor said at the start of the item. Police leadership described recent breakdowns that left the department short on patrol vehicles and outlined repair estimates and replacement options.

Why it matters: Board members framed the dilemma as a public-safety and fiscal decision—repair aging vehicles now or buy new, fully outfitted SUVs on a multi-year payment plan. Staff and the police department presented cost estimates and timelines to let the board decide whether to repair several older cars or proceed with a bundled purchase that would include warranties and outfitting.

Police account and repair estimates

The Police Chief said the department has nine fleet vehicles, five currently in service and four needing work. The chief…