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Kuna council approves $50,000 contingency to replace police motorcycle after crash
Summary
Council approved a $50,000 contingency from the general fund to buy a replacement Harley-Davidson police motorcycle after a crash that heavily damaged a city-owned bike. Officials said insurance proceeds, if received, will reimburse the fund. The motorcycle program was originally funded through a grant; the city expects to reapply in the future.
The Kuna City Council approved a $50,000 contingency request to replace a city-owned police motorcycle damaged in a crash while on patrol.
Chief Mike Fortusco described the crash involving Deputy Tyson Jones and asked the council for a $50,000 contingency allotment to purchase a replacement Harley-Davidson before 2026 model-year changes increase lead times and costs. Fortusco said the city’s estimate from High Desert Harley for a replacement 2025 model was about $45,067 and that the requested contingency would be executed in fiscal year 2026 and paid from the general fund. He said insurance proceeds for the damaged motorcycle will be returned to the general fund when received.
Chief Fortusco said the motorcycles were purchased partly under a grant and that the department had to meet make-and-model requirements when the grant was awarded. He told council, “Tyson is one of the hardest working and toughest human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of supervising,” and described the deputy’s injuries as non-life-threatening thanks to his helmet, riding pants and protective gear.
City clerk Nathan Stanley explained the grant history: the city received roughly $117,000 in the earlier grant cycle and used one of the motorcycles as part of the city’s match. He said the city submitted an insurance claim and expected a response within one to two weeks.
Council members asked whether the city must remain on Harley-Davidson for future purchases and whether grant rules would restrict alternatives. Fortusco said future grants would again require American-made motorcycles and that many local agencies are standardizing on Harleys; he also said the department is exploring longer-term options for vehicle replacement funding through contracted arrangements similar to how the city handles patrol vehicle replacement.
A motion to approve the $50,000 contingency was made and seconded and passed by voice vote with all in favor. Council members expressed relief that Deputy Jones survived the crash and praised first responders and local residents who assisted at the scene.
