Village approves purchase and financing for police vehicles and multiuse dump/plow truck

The Village Board approved ordinances and a financing proposal on Feb. 9 to update the police fleet and fund a multiuse dump/plow truck.

Trustees approved an ordinance authorizing purchase of a 2026 Dodge Ram 1500 and a separate ordinance authorizing three 2026 Dodge Durango vehicles for police services. Staff explained payments for the Durangos will be spread over a three-year financing term and that the department plans to replace about three frontline squad vehicles per year to maintain a roughly five-year frontline cycle.

Finance staff reported that one vehicle is in stock and three are to be ordered, and that replacing like-for-like models enables reuse of existing equipment and can reduce incremental equipment purchases (staff estimated about $15,000 per vehicle budgeted for equipment but noted savings when equipment is transferable). Trustees and staff discussed vehicle life cycles, resale/auction of decommissioned units and the village's fleet-management plan.

Separately, Manager Rivas presented a financing proposal with Hinsdale Bank & Trust for up to $463,750 over three years at an anticipated interest rate near 4.5% to fund the three police vehicles plus the previously approved 2026 Western Star single-axle plow truck. The ordinance authorizing financing was introduced and staff said the financing would allow the village to spread costs to minimize 2026 budget impact.

Roll-call votes in the meeting recorded unanimous 'Yes' votes on the related ordinances and financing motions. Trustees asked staff to return fleet replacement schedules and lifecycle documentation; staff said a living fleet inventory is maintained and can be provided to the board.