Seminole council approves $35,000 purchase of used Tahoe for K-9 unit; safety monitor debated

The Seminole City Council approved an unbudgeted capital purchase of a used 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for $35,000 to serve the police department's K‑9 unit.

Staff explained the decision followed an assessment that the current 2019 Tahoe would need an expensive engine replacement. The offered 2023 Tahoe came already outfitted for K‑9 use (cage and related fittings); staff said market estimates for comparable police-package vehicles ranged between roughly $31,000 and $42,000.

Councilmembers pressed staff on canine safety features. One member recommended adding a monitoring system that alerts handlers to dangerous interior temperatures; staff said the vehicle does not include such a system and suggested adding it later or transferring equipment from the retiring unit if feasible. "It's a lot cheaper than…" a councilmember said when urging the purchase with a monitoring system to follow.

After discussion the council approved the purchase by roll call. The motion passed with a standard roll call and the chief was thanked for briefing the board. Staff will proceed with the purchase and work out timing and costs for a monitoring system or equipment transfer.