Burns Harbor council approves year-end encumbrances, Taser and squad car purchases

The Burns Harbor Town Council on the evening of the meeting approved a slate of year-end purchase orders and equipment acquisitions, moving funds forward as needed to close out the fiscal year.

Councilmember (speaker 1) read a list of purchase orders to be encumbered for the fire and police departments, naming vendors and amounts, and made a motion to encumber the listed POs so funds could be carried into the next budget year. The motion was seconded and carried in roll call. The council later clarified that encumbrances would be used when goods could not be delivered before year end.

The council voted to place an order for a new police squad car to be funded from the 2026 CCD fund, with the purchase to be appealed to next year’s CCD as necessary, after discussion about whether to use leftover departmental funds instead. A councilmember said it would be “more of a hassle” to move small amounts between departmental lines and staff advised that either approach would ultimately benefit the town.

Council approved purchase order 3362 for a Taser 10 package in the amount of $35,797.40. The vote recorded one abstention by Councilman McCarthy and otherwise passed by roll call. After questions about delivery timing, members moved to encumber PO 3362 because staff did not expect product in hand before year end.

The council also approved the 2026 volunteer fire department contract for $66,000, payable 11/13/2026. Members confirmed the payment schedule and carried the motion by roll call.

All equipment and encumbrance approvals were presented as administrative, year-end housekeeping to ensure funds and orders were properly recorded before the fiscal year closed. Staff said the town would receive detailed breakdowns for insurance and encumbrance items in the coming week.

The council adjourned after completing the evening’s business.