Council authorizes police to buy two Panasonic Toughbooks; packet shows inconsistent cost figures

The Lincoln Park City Council on Aug. 5 authorized the police department to waive formal bidding and purchase two Panasonic Toughbook laptop computers and accessories for two patrol vehicles from CDW‑G, a vendor that participates in state bid pricing.

Police staff told the council the cost for the two computers and accessories would be $9,247.60 and that funds would come from the police department’s computer equipment account (account number 101‑305‑820). A staff presentation in the meeting packet, however, lists a larger amount — $99,247.60 — in the motion text. Council members corrected an account-number reference during the meeting; the clerk corrected the account number from “802” to “820” before the roll call.

Chief [name not specified in transcript] urged the waiver, saying CDW‑G was “a qualifying state bid pricing supplier,” and highlighted that the vendor participates in state bid contracts. “The cost of the 2 Panasonic Toughbook computers and accessories is $9,247.60. The funds will come from the police department's computer equipment account 101305820,” the chief said during the presentation.

Council approved the purchase by unanimous roll call vote.

Why it matters: the council authorized an exception to the formal bidding process and committed to purchasing equipment for patrol vehicles from a single supplier using stated budget funds. The record contains inconsistent cost figures; the discrepancy remains in the packet text on the public record.

Council action: the motion to waive bidding and authorize the purchase passed with all members present voting yes.

Ending: City staff recorded the purchase authorization; staff did not amend the packet’s larger figure during the meeting. The city manager or finance department will need to reconcile the cost discrepancy in the record or purchase order before payment.