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Brentwood board approves purchase of police motorcycle funded from impact fees
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Summary
The Select Board approved spending up to $20,000 from police impact fees to purchase and outfit a used police motorcycle (chief cited a $15,996 purchase price and $33,000 impact-fee balance); board discussed helmets, outfitting, and deployment.
The Brentwood Select Board voted April 21 to allow the police department to purchase a used police motorcycle and to authorize up to $20,000 from police impact fees to cover the bike and outfitting costs.
Police Chief (identified in the meeting as "Chief") described a 2021 ElectraGlide with about 12,000 miles available from Seacoast Harley that previously served in another police agency. ‘‘We currently have $33,000 in there, and the price of the bike is, $15,996,’’ the chief said, adding that additional outfitting could be covered from existing department budgets and grants (the chief mentioned New Hampshire Highway Safety grant possibilities for radio integration).
Board members raised questions about helmets, riding gear and outfitting costs; the chair and others said they wanted an allowance beyond the bike’s sticker price to ensure officers each have properly fitting helmets and necessary protective equipment. A motion to approve purchase and to set the spending limit at up to $20,000 from impact fees passed by voice vote after a second.
Members and residents discussed operational details — how the motorcycle would be scheduled among licensed officers, its likely seasonal deployment, and the potential for reduced cruiser mileage and maintenance costs. The board was told three officers hold motorcycle licenses and additional officers could be trained; the chief said motorcycle deployment would support traffic enforcement and community event coverage.
The board did not specify a delivery date beyond the chief’s comment that the bike could be put into service quickly if purchased; the chair directed the police department to confirm outfitting needs and to return to the board if additional appropriations are required.
