Council authorizes up to $500,000 in ARPA funds to buy police Tahoes and a brush truck; approves cadet sponsorship program

Levelland — The City Council authorized the use of up to $500,000 from federal ARPA municipal revenue replacement funds to purchase five fully equipped Chevrolet Tahoes for the police department and to help fund a large brush/booster truck for the fire department.

Staff told council the city has roughly $2 million in ARPA funds and must obligate them by the end of 2024; using the ARPA funds now would allow the city to outright purchase vehicles rather than lease them at higher interest rates. Staff estimated each fully equipped Tahoe at about $72,000. The authorization passed on a motion and voice vote.

In a related public-safety item, council approved a police sponsorship program to pay academy costs for cadets at South Plains College. Captain Lopez and staff described a part-time sponsorship model while cadets attend the academy, a multi-year employment commitment after graduation (three years was discussed), and a repayment clause if a sponsored cadet leaves before the agreed period. The motion to approve the sponsorship passed by voice vote.

Council members asked about delivery timing (ordered in August, estimated arrival February–March with additional upfitting time), where replaced vehicles would be disposed (previously via online auction), and whether the purchases would be leased or bought outright; staff said the plan is to purchase outright. Staff also noted a forest-service grant recently awarded for a booster truck and explained the ARPA funding would help bridge the remaining cost.

Council did not attach conditions to the authorization but asked staff to return with procurement details, timelines and a plan for replacing older vehicles.