Finance panel approves $44,886.70 police hybrid interceptor; flags unpaid pool pump invoice

The finance meeting approved a motion to purchase a 2026 Ford utility interceptor for the police department at a cost of $44,886.70. Alderman Herndon moved the purchase and Alderman Reynolds seconded; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting 'Aye.'

During discussion a fleet representative described the vehicle as a standard hybrid (not a plug-in) and cited operational benefits. "This is not a plug in unit ... if the battery gets low, the engine will automatically recharge it," the speaker said, adding that hybrids reduce idle time, provide regenerative braking and can lower operating and maintenance expenses based on prior fleet experience.

A council member asked about the funding source for the purchase; the vehicle purchase was confirmed to come from the general fund. The chair noted that the outgoing chief’s vehicle was in poor condition and that the newly purchased unit would enter the general fleet.

Separately, a member raised a question about unpaid invoices in the accounts-payable list, specifically a machinery maintenance invoice for the pool listed at $14,727.98 under "playground, recreation, and parks." Staff said they would pull the invoice to verify the unpaid status. During the meeting staff also reported a brief technical glitch with a camera feed that has since been resolved.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was carried by voice vote.

Provenance: Vehicle discussion and vote are recorded starting at Item 4 (SEG 229) and the vehicle motion and vote conclude at SEG 319; unpaid invoice question appears at SEG 321–342.