Redevelopment commission approves ballistic shields and greenlights purchase of hybrid police vehicle

Town staff presented two public-safety requests from the police department: six ballistic shields priced at $3,748.99 each (total $22,493.94) and a 2026 Ford Interceptor hybrid police vehicle (a ready-for-road package) estimated in the packet at $51,905.25. Staff said proceeds from selling three older vehicles would help offset equipment upgrades and explained that purchases could be ordered now and paid from the 2026 spending appropriation.

Commissioners discussed hybrid vehicles’ reliability and life expectancy (expected fleet life 5–7 years) and asked staff to confirm vehicle specifications; members noted existing Ford Explorer hybrid interceptors in the town fleet and compared them with other models. After discussion, the commission voted to approve purchase of the six ballistic shields with payment to be made in the 2026 budget year (motion passed by roll call). The commission then moved to approve purchase of a 2026 Ford Interceptor (Explorer) for up to $55,000, with payment to be charged in 2026; that motion passed with three yes votes and one abstention.

Votes recorded in the meeting: shields approved unanimous (roll call recorded as yes by all present); vehicle purchase approved 3 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Staff said they will work with procurement and vehicle vendors to confirm ordering and delivery timelines and that if ordered late in the year invoices may be paid in early 2026 to align with the adopted spending appropriation.

Sources: town staff presentation and commission roll-call votes.