Hondo council approves police vehicle purchases, including new K‑9 transport

The Hondo City Council on Jan. 13 approved two purchases of 2025 Ford Police Interceptor SUVs for the Hondo Police Department.

Chief Sosa told the council the first vehicle purchase (Item 14) will be fully funded through an Operation Lone Star grant award (presented amount in the meeting materials was $393,663.92) and the listed vehicle cost in the presentation packet was about $75,009. The council moved to approve the purchase (motion by Mister Williams, second by Mister Via) and approved it by voice vote with no opposition.

On Item 15, Chief Sosa presented a separate purchase to serve as a K‑9 transport vehicle. He said the department received a Governor's Criminal Justice grant award of $75,000 toward the K‑9 vehicle package, and that the total vehicle cost and equipment shown in the materials were approximately $81,007 to $81,703.76 (the presentation included both figures). Chief Sosa said recent insurance proceeds would cover a roughly $6,000 shortfall if the department cannot secure a grant amendment to cover the extra equipment; he said the department will submit a budget amendment if necessary. The council authorized the chief to purchase the K‑9 transport vehicle with its in‑car camera system after a motion by Mister Hitora and a second from Miss Ramirez; the motion carried by voice vote with no opposition.

Both purchases were described in the meeting as covered by external grant funds or insurance proceeds and were approved on Jan. 13. The council instructed staff to complete any necessary budget amendments and grant amendments subsequently.