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Council approves replacement police and administrative vehicles; staff details engine failures and repurposing plan
Summary
El Mirage approved purchase of three 2026 police Ford Explorers and two 2025 Toyota Camrys; staff said older Tahoes had seized engines and equipment will be stripped, repurposed or auctioned.
The El Mirage Common Council on Oct. 21 approved replacement vehicles intended to maintain patrol capability and administrative mobility. The council authorized the purchase of three 2026 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Units for the police vehicle replacement program (total not to exceed $249,000) and two 2025 Toyota Camry dual-purpose vehicles for administrative use (total not to exceed $68,000).
Police and fleet staff told the council the city’s patrol fleet has suffered significant wear and tear: two Chevy Tahoes in the fleet have seized engines attributed by staff to model-year design issues, and older Crown Victorias remain inoperable or retired. Staff explained that when vehicles are removed they strip sensitive and emergency equipment; reusable radios and some computer components are repurposed where compatible, while other vehicle-specific equipment is scrapped. Vehicles removed from service are processed for auction per city procedure.
Council members asked about three-year maintenance costs, idle hours versus driven miles and timelines for stripping and auction. Staff said outfitters supply model-specific equipment and the reintroduction of the Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Unit makes outfitting easier because compatible equipment is again commercially available. The council approved both purchases by voice vote.
Provenance: The discussion occurred during the regular agenda when police/fleet staff presented vehicle details, maintenance charts and repurposing plans (transcript references cited).
