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Council approves purchase of three patrol SUVs after debate over V6 vs. V8 engines
Summary
Council authorized purchase of three new patrol SUVs after debating V6 and V8 engine options; staff presented unit pricing and council voted to approve the lower-cost V6 contract price after assurances on training and performance.
After an extended discussion about horsepower, resale and fuel economy, Lowell City Council authorized staff to proceed with purchase of three patrol SUVs to replace aging police vehicles.
Staff packet included a quote of $56,958.32 per vehicle (three vehicles totaling $170,874.96); during debate staff also presented a contract price for a V6 pack quoted in the meeting discussion. Council members argued over whether V8 engines provide superior pursuit performance and durability in emergency response versus the V6 nd whether training should enable officers to operate smaller engines safely. One councilor said the extra cost for V8 engines was justified for public-safety response; another urged fiscal prudence and noted fleetwide shifts to V6 models in other departments.
A motion to approve the V6 contract price was made, seconded and carried by council vote. Staff will proceed with the procurement steps required to place the purchase order and pursue financing or use of general-fund resources as appropriate.
