Council approves lease-purchase for two police pursuit SUVs after budget debate

Council members voted 4–1 to approve a governmental lease-purchase agreement for two 2026 Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles, following a detailed presentation from American National Leasing and an extended public discussion about fleet needs, city finances and alternatives.

Eric Reid of American National Leasing described the product: a pre-built pursuit Durango with upfit package, listed at $45,475 per unit with an estimated financed-per-unit cost after a $20,000 down payment of about $41,625. The structure included a three-year payout with 12 months of deferred payments; annual payments for two vehicles were presented to fit budget timing.

Police leadership emphasized fleet reliability and operational needs: the chief said aging units (a 2013 pickup and older Tahoes) were incurring rising maintenance and that replacing two units would implement a modest rotation to avoid frequent breakdowns. Several councilmembers and public speakers urged caution because the general fund capital outlay line contained $50,000 and the department’s annual budget is roughly $752,000.

Vote and follow-up: The motion passed 4–1. Council directed finance staff to manage the down payments and record the financing schedule; the chief was asked to continue fleet-rotation planning to reduce future capital spikes.

What it means: The purchase spreads cost over time but will require annual budget recognition for payments; council members who voted yes cited operational reliability, while the dissenting vote warned about long-term fiscal pressure and suggested slower vehicle replacement.