KOKOMO, Ind. — The Kokomo Board of Public Works and Safety on Nov. 19 approved a slate of routine and procurement items, including the purchase of three police SUVs and two automated trash trucks, award of a demolition contract and a package of material bids for 2026.

Speaker 1 introduced a request from the Kokomo Police Department, stating, “The Kokomo Police Department is seeking authorization to purchase 3 new police package Dodge Durango vehicles for the Kokomo Police Department for fiscal year 2025.” The board accepted a bid from John Jones Auto Group at $44,256.50 per vehicle and approved the purchase, a $132,769.50 total.

The board also approved awarding the demolition contract for a garage at 206 West Broadway to Jeremy Schultz Farms LLC, the lowest responsive bidder, at $11,900. Speaker 1 said the bids were received and recommended Jeremy Schultz Farms for the work; Speaker 2 moved the award and Speaker 3 seconded.

In a separate item, the board approved a $35,000 transfer within the wastewater treatment plant budget (from account 2034 to 3066) to cover invoices tied to repairs on tractor truck number 766. The transfer was requested by Katie Trobar, superintendent at the wastewater plant, and the board voted to approve it.

Public works purchases included approval to order two 2026 24-yard automated Freightliner M2 Dash 106 trucks from Best Equipment at $381,758 each to be paid from the 2026 budget. Speaker 1 said the trucks are being ordered now to ensure delivery in 2026; Speaker 2 moved the purchase and Speaker 3 seconded.

The board approved the plat for a six-lot minor subdivision (referred to in the record as the “6 g 2” subdivision) presented by John Pike, director of engineering, with no public improvements or bonds required.

Speaker 1 presented a broader package of 2026 material bids (received Nov. 5, 2025) covering asphalt and concrete, patching materials, hot mix asphalt, crushed stone/aggregate, fuel, tires, wastewater chemicals, traffic paint and traffic-control materials. Recommended awards included E and B Paving, Toby Pike Recycling Center LLC, Reeth Riley Construction Company, Jackson Oil and Solvents Inc, Keystone Cooperative (as transcribed), Al Warren Oil Company, Petroleum Traders Company, City Tire, Best 1 of Indy, JCI Jones Chemical, Brintag Mid South Inc, Alexander Chemical, Stello Products Inc and Enes Flint Inc. Several line items (6–13, 15 and 17 in the record) received no bids; department heads were instructed to seek quotes next year when purchases are below state-statutory thresholds.

Finally, the board approved payment of claims totaling $2,985,695.54 and adjourned. All motions on the record were seconded and announced as carried.

What’s next: Approved purchases and awards will move to procurement and departmental staff for execution; the two automated trash trucks were ordered for 2026 delivery and the demolition contract and material awards will proceed per department oversight.