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Harrington approves lease-purchase of two Dodge Durangos for fire department
Summary
The Harrington City Commission approved a five-year lease-purchase to acquire two KHP‑surplus Dodge Durango command units for the fire department, with a $20,000 down payment. Commissioners cited safety and vehicle-condition problems with existing units.
The Harrington City Commission voted to approve a five-year lease-purchase agreement to acquire two Dodge Durango command units for the Harrington Fire Department, with a $20,000 down payment and an estimated annual payment described by staff as “under $15,000 a year.”
The decision followed an extended presentation by the fire chief and city manager describing the department’s current vehicles as worn and unreliable. Staff said the Durangos are KHP (Kansas Highway Patrol) surplus units already outfitted for emergency use at a quoted price of $35,175 per vehicle. One Durango was described as having under 50,000 miles and minor bumper damage; the department’s existing vehicles were described as older, mechanically unreliable and a “safety risk” for first-responder use.
The chief said the current Explorer and Tahoe used for first response have repeated starting problems, interior damage and intermittent diagnostic lights. The city manager said buying two Durangos at once would allow the department to re-establish a predictable replacement cycle rather than running vehicles to end-of-life.
Commission discussion touched on fleet-management options for retired units and potential uses in other departments versus selling them; commissioners recommended placing worn vehicles on Purple Wave auction if they have no internal use. Staff said any retired units that remain in municipal service would still incur insurance and maintenance costs.
A motion to consider a lease-purchase agreement for two Dodge Durango command units, with a $20,000 down payment and a five-year term, was made and seconded. Miss Wilson called the roll; the motion passed by voice vote (tally recorded as unanimous on the roll call). The city manager said staff will finalize the lease paperwork and arrange graphics and wiring upgrades so the vehicles will be suitable for long-term use.
Funding: staff said the purchase can be covered from the city’s capital improvement fund without increasing the operating budget; using the $20,000 down payment option produced the lowest five‑year cost, staff said.
The commission did not set specific disposal instructions for the current Explorer and Tahoe beyond recommendation to sell or reuse them as appropriate; staff will decide whether to repurpose or auction the older vehicles.
The chief and city manager answered technical questions about wiring, rear storage cabinets, radio compatibility and the need to clean up KHP wiring for longer life. The commission directed staff to proceed with the recommended option and to return any material contract documents for signature as needed.
