Hammond council approves $40,159 purchase of SUV for purchasing department after staff review

The Hammond City Council on Sept. 29 authorized the purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer for the purchasing department from Bill Hood Ford at a total price of $40,159 under state contract 4400023793.

Charles Marshall, speaking to the council, summarized prior questions about the purchase and said the purchasing director had provided a detailed email and documentation explaining the rationale and alternatives considered. Marshall said the department evaluated vans, trucks and other SUVs and factored cost, fuel economy and cargo needs; the vehicle will be used by three employees for mail, bank deposits, janitorial- and supply-related transport and for travel to trainings.

Members of the public questioned the price and whether repair of the existing vehicle would be more cost-effective. A resident identified as Leon Maryland asked for a cost-benefit comparison; another speaker, Stanley Campbell of District 1, asked whether the current vehicle’s air-conditioning issues warranted repair instead of replacement.

Staff provided documentation showing the current vehicle’s Blue Book/appraised value at $3,308 and a quoted transmission rebuild at $3,900. Marshall said the older vehicle had been passed down from another department and had accumulated significant wear; staff also reported the dealership indicated some air-conditioning parts were not available, making repair impractical.

Council members thanked purchasing staff for the documentation and moved to approve the purchase. The motion passed with recorded “aye” votes and at least one council member noting the thoroughness of the written materials that addressed earlier questions.

The resolution cites state contract number 4400023793 and specifies the vendor as Bill Hood Ford; the council did not specify additional follow-up reporting requirements during the meeting.