Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes bids for 2025 police vehicles; hybrids under consideration, full EVs not pursued now
Summary
Council authorized solicitation of bids for two marked squad cars and a detective vehicle for the 2025 CIP. Staff said hybrids are being explored but fully electric vehicles are not feasible for full patrol service at this time; one council member abstained from the vote.
The New Richmond City Council authorized staff to solicit bids for two marked squad cars and one slightly used detective vehicle as part of the 2025 capital-improvement program.
Police staff and the public-safety committee discussed options including hybrid and electric vehicles; staff said the department is researching hybrids and learning from other agencies, but "as of right now, we are not looking at fully electric vehicles." Staff cited operational concerns such as long transports and 24/7 use as constraints on deploying a fully electric patrol fleet in New Richmond at present. The public-safety committee recommended going out for bids for hybrids and a used detective vehicle; council authorized the solicitation. The roll call recorded one abstention (Alderman Montello) and the remainder voting yes.
Staff said they will return to council with bid results for final approval and noted supply-chain timing considerations for ordering vehicles to meet 2025 needs.
