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Police chief previews vehicle bids and staffing changes; commissioners to review bids at next meeting
Summary
Police reported one newer officer leaving for full-time employment elsewhere and presented three vehicle bids (Ford Explorer, Durango options) with estimates and trade-in uncertainties; chief will bring full bid package and recommendation to the next meeting.
HARRINGTON, Kan. — The police chief told commissioners the department will soon present a formal recommendation on replacing an aging patrol vehicle and updated commissioners on recent staffing changes.
The department reported 234 calls for service in April, 58 traffic stops, and eight arrests. The newest officer has opted to step away from full-time service to take another job that pays more, but the officer indicated a willingness to remain as a part-time officer to cover sick and vacation shifts. The chief said the department is monitoring that arrangement.
On fleet replacement, the chief reported written quotes on three replacement vehicles: a 2025 Ford Explorer (fully outfitted, quoted at approximately $57,078.40), a 2025 Durango (about $57,067.70) and a 2024 Durango (about $55,073.47). Those totals exclude the uncertain trade-in value for the department's 2019 Charger (about 70,000 miles and some mechanical issues). The chief said outfitting and switching some equipment could reduce costs by $1,000–$2,000, and that trade-in estimates provided to staff previously suggested roughly $8,000 total proceeds from selling two prior vehicles.
The chief will present full bid paperwork and a recommendation at the next commission meeting; commissioners asked that all bids be printed and available for review ahead of the meeting. No vehicle purchase was approved at this session.
