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Council approves 2026 squad car order and upfitting from local dealer
Summary
Fort Atkinson authorized ordering one 2026 Ford Interceptor SUV and upfitting equipment within the $71,500 2026 CIP allocation; council approved purchase from local Griffin Ford at a $194 premium over the state contract low bid to support the local vendor, plus equipment and radio costs not to exceed budgeted amounts.
The Fort Atkinson City Council on Dec. 2 approved the order and upfitting plan for one 2026 squad car using funds budgeted in the 2026 CIP.
Patrol Captain Daniel Hefty told council the department budgeted $71,500 in the 2026 CIP for a replacement vehicle and associated equipment. Bids were received from Ewald Ford (state contract pricing) and Griffin Ford; Griffin’s bid was approximately $194 higher than the lowest quote. Hefty said limited 2026 vehicle availability makes it prudent to place orders now even though delivery and payment will occur in 2026.
Hefty described upfitting costs of about $22,085.88 from the city’s regular upfitting vendor and a Kenwood mobile radio quote from Gencom of $3,127.89. He said he recommended ordering the vehicle through Griffin Ford to support a local business despite the modest premium.
Council members discussed hybrid versus non‑hybrid configurations after reviewing packet details. Hefty clarified the requested vehicle is non‑hybrid and that the purchase would replace a 2015 vehicle. Council approved the purchase from Griffin Ford for $45,269 and authorized additional equipment purchases not to exceed $26,013.77; the purchases were noted as remaining within the $71,500 CIP allocation and all spending will occur after Jan. 1, 2026.
