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Riverwoods trustees approve up to $70,000 for replacement police vehicle after crash
Summary
At an emergency meeting, the Village of Riverwoods Board of Trustees authorized up to $70,000 to replace and outfit a police vehicle that was totaled after a crash; insurance proceeds will cover part of the cost and equipment reimbursement when receipts are submitted.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverwoods at an emergency meeting approved authorization of up to $70,000 to purchase and outfit a replacement police vehicle after a 2023 squad car was declared a total loss.
Police Chief said, “we had a 2023 Ford Explorer that was rear ended by a DUI driver on August 24 while the officer was out of the car. … Apparently, the frame was bent or cracked, which wasn't visible until they went in to make the repairs.” The chief told trustees the village’s insurer initially approved repairs but later determined the vehicle’s frame was damaged and would be towed by the insurer.
The chief gave trustees a cost estimate for replacement: a new patrol vehicle could cost as much as $54,000 and vehicle outfitting could cost up to $25,000, though the chief said much of the existing equipment might be transferable. The insurance payment for the wrecked vehicle was stated as $28,050. “What I'm asking the board for is, for approval for a new, police vehicle equipment and vehicle build not to exceed a total of $70,000,” the chief said.
Trustees asked about fleet timing and fuel economy. Trustee Jamerson asked how far into the vehicle’s replacement cycle the 2023 Ford was; the chief said the department had expected to replace it in 2027. Trustee Smith asked whether hybrid or electric options would be considered; the chief said hybrids were not available on short notice and that electric vehicles were not feasible at this time. The chief said ordering a replacement would take months, and because the wrecked vehicle is no longer available for use, the department sought an immediately available vehicle on state bid or a dealer matching the state bid.
On reimbursement timing, the chief said the insurer would take the wrecked vehicle’s title and issue a check for the totaled car (the $28,050), and that equipment and build costs would be reimbursed after the village submits receipts. The trustees voted by roll call in favor of the purchase authorization; the motion passed unanimously on the emergency meeting vote.
Next steps described by the chief included locating a suitable vehicle on a dealer lot, completing the purchase and build within the approved not-to-exceed amount, transferring the wrecked vehicle title to the insurer, and submitting receipts for equipment and build reimbursement.
