The Herington City Commission authorized the purchase of a Dodge Durango police cruiser at Tuesday’s regular meeting, approving an authorization not to exceed $58,000.

Police leadership presented three vehicle options, including a 2025 Ford Explorer (not immediately available) and 2024 and 2025 Dodge Durango models. The chief recommended the 2024 Durango as the most cost-effective available option; the transcript shows the 2024 quote at about $55,073.47 and the 2025 Durango about $57,067.47. The commission’s approved authorization covers either the 2024 or the 2025 Durango up to the $58,000 cap to allow purchase if the 2024 is sold before the city can secure it.

The department expects to transfer existing equipment — radar and the WatchGuard camera system — into the new cruiser and estimated the trade-in value of the city’s Dodge Charger at roughly $8,000. Staff said $50,000 is budgeted in the capital outlay line for the purchase; with the trade-in they expect to come in under budget.

After discussion about availability and timing, a motion to authorize purchase of a 2024 or 2025 Dodge Durango police cruiser, amount not to exceed $58,000, passed with recorded ayes from several commissioners and the mayor.

No additional conditions or amendments were appended to the authorization. Staff said the Durango option offers an expanded prisoner cage and some seat-belt improvements that the department had previously requested.