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Plymouth to hold town meeting on Oct. 7 to consider $73,600 cruiser replacement after tree totaled vehicle
Summary
After a cruiser was totaled when a tree fell during a storm, the police department told the council it recommends replacing the vehicle with a Dodge Durango; the department estimates total outfitting costs at about $73,600, expects roughly $10,000 from insurance and the council scheduled a town meeting to vote on the appropriation because it exceeds the $50,000 charter threshold.
A Plymouth police cruiser that was totaled when a tree fell during a storm in June will be replaced only if voters approve an appropriation at a town meeting the council scheduled for before its Oct. 7 meeting, councilors decided Sept. 2.
The police chief told the council that Car 12 was destroyed by the storm and the department is recommending purchase of a Dodge Durango as a like-for-like frontline vehicle. The chief and sergeants described problems the department has had with hybrid and some Ford models, including extended time out of service for recalls and engine issues, and said the Durango option had fewer reported problems in nearby towns.
Department estimates presented to the council put the vehicle price and outfitting—vehicle, lettering, accessory cabling and cruiser setup—at an estimated total of roughly $73,600. The chief said the department expects about $10,000 from insurance for the loss; the department intends to transfer existing radio equipment where feasible. The police commission chair, Gabby Justice, told the council that the commission reviewed the information and recommended the replacement.
Town charter procedures require a voter appropriation for any additional department appropriation above $50,000, the town attorney advised. Council member Joe moved and the council approved a motion to hold a town meeting before the Oct. 7 council meeting (suggested start 6:00 p.m.) to present the purchase and seek voter approval.
Councilors discussed alternative models, console and lettering options, and whether extra-duty/contractor revenue had been used historically to fund vehicle replacements; the town attorney said past replacements sometimes were handled within the department budget but the current total requires a town meeting. If voters approve the appropriation, the police department plans to order the vehicle and expect approximately a 90-day delivery lead time.
Next step: the council will publish legal notice and logistics for the town meeting; police will present detailed cost breakout to voters at that session.
