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Forest Park council approves purchase of three police SUVs amid debate over ARPA funding
Summary
The Village Council adopted ordinance 0-37-22 to purchase three 2023 Ford Explorer police vehicles. Debate focused on whether to use ARPA funds, depleted traditional vehicle funds, long manufacturing lead times and the need to explore grant alternatives before spending ARPA allocations.
The Village Council on Sept. 26 approved ordinance 0-37-22 authorizing the joint purchase of three 2023 Ford Explorer police vehicles, voting to move forward despite questions about how the purchases will be funded.
Commissioners raised concerns that the police replacement fund and other traditional sources (seizure and DUI funds) lack sufficient balance to cover the vehicles, and that the council has not finalized an allocation plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Council members stressed the importance of exploring grants and alternate sources before committing ARPA funds.
"We should have already sat down and talked about the ARPA ... I would urge Moses to set up a meeting so the council can do that," Commissioner Maxam said, urging a formal ARPA discussion before further allocations. Other commissioners, noting long lead times in vehicle manufacturing, argued securing equipment now does not immediately expend funds and gives time to identify funding sources.
Council members discussed practical mechanics: the purchase can be ordered now, with payment deferred until vehicle delivery, giving several months to locate funding. Supporters cited public‑safety needs and supply‑chain realities, while skeptics emphasized fiscal caution and the possibility of grant opportunities that could make ARPA unnecessary for this purchase.
After discussion, the motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Commissioner Vog, seconded by Commissioner Nero, and approved by roll call vote (Commissioners Burns, Maxam, Nero, Vog and Mayor Hoskins voting in the affirmative as recorded).
Next steps: staff and the chief will continue to explore grant opportunities and alternative funding sources and will notify the council if other funds become available; vehicles will be ordered and delivery timelines monitored.
