Council approves up to $60,000 for patrol vehicle purchase and adopts light‑refreshment policy

The Bouldin City Council voted to authorize a capital outlay of up to $60,000 for the purchase of a police patrol vehicle and adopted Resolution 753, a housekeeping policy on occasional light refreshments at city meetings.

Police Chief Mike Smith told the council the department sought a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor priced at $67,059 on the sticker but said a comparable vehicle could be found for less if staff were authorized to secure a purchase promptly. Smith said outfitting a vehicle (computers, emergency lighting, radio and other equipment) could add another $24,000–30,000, and asked the council for approval to act on a purchase under $55,000 or to set a higher authorization so staff could move quickly.

After discussion about budget authority thresholds and whether to change the city’s ordinance requiring council approval for purchases over $50,000, a councilor moved and the council seconded a motion authorizing the purchase of one new patrol vehicle in an amount not to exceed $60,000. The motion passed.

The meeting record does not name a mover and seconder at roll call in the transcript; the council voice vote was recorded as in favor and passed.

Later in the agenda the council considered Resolution 753, a policy instituting rules for occasional purchase of light refreshments for staff, officials and volunteers after an auditor recommendation. Councilor discussion noted the item was largely housekeeping to comply with the Washington State Auditor’s Office. A motion to adopt Resolution 753 passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff may proceed to search for vehicles within the newly authorized amount and will report back to council on procurement and outfitting costs; ordinance committee members indicated interest in reviewing the city’s procurement threshold in a future meeting.