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Police chief gets approval to repair K-9 patrol car; board weighs repair vs. equipment transfer
Summary
The board authorized up to $4,475.70 to repair the motor on Unit 3, the department's K-9 vehicle, after police presented repair and equipment-transfer cost estimates and discussed fleet-management tradeoffs.
The Alton Town Board of Selectmen voted Sept. 9 to allow the police department to proceed with an estimated $4,475.70 repair of Unit 3, the department's K-9 vehicle, while board members and the chief debated whether to transfer the canine equipment to a different, lower-mileage vehicle instead.
The police chief told the board Unit 3 had developed a distinct ticking noise; inspection revealed a lifter issue and a wiped cam lobe. The repair estimate for cam and lifter work was $4,475.70, a fraction of the roughly $16,000 the department feared if a full motor replacement were required. The chief said the vehicle has about 145,000 miles and that the repaired vehicle might last between 10,000 and 50,000 miles depending on use.
Another option the chief had investigated was transferring all K-9 equipment, including an electrical climate-harness and kennel insert, into a lower-mileage unit; that transfer was quoted at approximately $5,015. The chief recommended repairing Unit 3 to get more service life and cited the higher-than-expected transfer cost as a factor.
After discussion of fleet rotation, detail usage and the police revolving account that helps fund vehicle leases and equipment, the board voted by voice to permit the chief to proceed with the repair, not to exceed $4,475.70.
Outcome: Motion approved to repair Unit 3 up to $4,475.70; the chief will manage repair and fleet decisions within department budgets.
