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Norwood police chief asks committee to finance three cruisers to restore depleted fleet
Summary
Police Chief Sumner requested financing via the FRP to add three patrol vehicles after the department fell to four operable cruisers at year-end, and staff described ongoing outfitting delays and fleet-replacement challenges.
Police Chief Sumner asked the Finance Committee to approve financing for three patrol vehicles under the Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) capital allotment to address an acute fleet shortage.
Chief Sumner said the department's fleet fell to as few as four operable vehicles over the Christmas/New Year period while serving 32 officers, causing officers to double up and remain in the station when vehicles were unavailable. The chief framed the request as an interim fix: lease/finance three vehicles now while using FRP capital funding to purchase at least one additional vehicle each year so the fleet can return to a multi-year rotation.
The chief provided a cost breakdown that includes vehicle purchase and outfitting. He said three Dodge Durangos the city previously purchased remain in an outfitter's shop in Columbus because of delays; a canine vehicle also remains out of service and the department has terminated work with that outfitter. The chief said the leasing/financing proposal spreads payments over 48 months and shows a residual reduced book value of about $86.67 at the end of the term.
Committee members asked about warranty and insurance treatment. Staff said Enterprise (the leasing/management provider) holds titles and that insurance proceeds for totaled vehicles are paid in a way that does not automatically restore funds to the police department's appropriations; in practice, the department loses the vehicle and the corresponding replacement proceeds flow to the general fund, creating a recurring shortfall for replacements.
The chief said last year's vehicle repair costs were roughly $56,000 —$57,000 and that the department needs 13 functional cruisers to operate normally. Committee members expressed frustration about the small fleet and supported a prompt solution; the chief said council will be asked to vote on an ordinance for the cruisers at an upcoming council meeting.
