Sheridan council reviews purchase of three 2026 Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs

At the Sheridan City Council study session Aug. 11, Fleet and Administrative Coordinator Heather Kaplinski recommended the city purchase three 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit all-wheel‑drive police SUVs from Fremont Motor Company of Lander for a total of $121,251. The vehicles are budgeted in the current FY 26 budget and would be funded with GPET funds.

Kaplinski told the council the city received two bids after advertising the request for bids in July: one from Fremont Motor Company (Lander) and one from Sheridan Motors. She said she sent vehicle specifications to the chief of police for review before issuing the request for bids.

The three Durangos are intended to replace a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe with more than 70,000 miles and transmission issues; a 2016 Dodge Charger with more than 72,000 miles and engine issues; and a 2017 Dodge Charger with more than 74,000 miles and charging and starting problems. Kaplinski said all three older vehicles have already been decommissioned by the police department and will be offered at the city’s next surplus auction.

Kaplinski said the vendor’s order-to-delivery timeline is 45 to 90 days. Once delivered, the units will be outfitted with accessories, cameras and radios; staff is still obtaining quotes for outfitting, which Kaplinski estimated at about $35,000 per vehicle based on recent years’ costs. Kaplinski also said the vehicles carry a three‑year/36,000‑mile warranty.

Mayor commented on the price, saying, “It’s frightening, but that’s actually I’m surprised at the price of those because that’s not bad.” Kaplinski noted the bid amounts were lower than last year’s.

Staff recommended the mayor and council approve the purchase; no formal vote was taken during the study session.