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Rangeley committee hears police chief defend Chevy Tahoe for town fleet
Summary
Committee members questioned whether to add a town manager vehicle and whether to switch police fleet vehicles; the police chief argued a Tahoe offers better clearance, passenger protection and resale value than current interceptors, though it costs more upfront.
The Rangeley Budget Committee discussed proposed vehicle purchases for the coming fiscal year during its Feb. 26 meeting, including a town manager vehicle and a proposed switch in police vehicles.
The town manager’s contract and the inclusion of a manager vehicle in the budget were presented for information. When members asked about police fleet options, the town police chief explained the choice to propose a Chevy Tahoe.
"So the Tahoe is a police pursuit rated vehicle. It is a lower center of gravity that was designed that way...the ground clearance is higher," the chief said, arguing the Tahoe handles private driveways and unplowed roads better in emergencies and provides warmer, enclosed space for transporting detainees and protecting equipment.
The chief estimated the Tahoe would cost about $10,000 more than an interceptor but said resale/trade-in value and durability could offset higher upfront cost. Committee members questioned whether the county’s practice of buying trucks to save on price applied here, and asked about storage, prisoner transport and fleet maintenance implications. Members also noted past efforts to standardize makes to simplify mechanic work.
Town Manager Joe answered operational questions about mileage, leasing versus purchase and inspection counts for permitting data while members asked for updated capital pages and quotes to be provided at the next meeting.
No purchase decision was finalized; capital purchases were deferred for an updated packet and further review.
