Finance committee approves 13 hybrid Ford police SUVs, refers Tesla patrol-car purchase to staff

The City of Green Bay Finance Committee on May 12 approved the purchase of 13 2026 Ford Police Interceptor hybrid all-wheel-drive vehicles for the Police Department for a total of $688,584.

Committee members were told the purchase was already budgeted and bonded. The Police Department business manager explained the department typically replaces about 15 vehicles a year and prefers a consistent vehicle model to reduce parts and maintenance costs and to transfer equipment from vehicles sent to auction. The committee moved and the motion carried by voice vote.

Separately, staff presented a proposal to add two 2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles to the fleet as part of an electric-vehicle pilot. Members questioned whether Teslas were necessary, whether other electric models had been tested, and whether the city has local service capacity for Tesla vehicles. Staff noted the city already has two Teslas used by the traffic division and that chargers are in place, but acknowledged occasional service trips to Milwaukee for repairs.

Because members wanted staff to evaluate alternative EV makes, serviceability in Green Bay and the possibility of testing mixed makes, the committee voted to refer the Tesla purchase back to staff for further review.

Next steps: staff will report back with comparisons on other electric vehicles, servicing options and any cost or infrastructure implications before a final purchase decision is made.