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Williston commission approves phased police take‑home vehicle program, debates 2026 budget timing
Summary
The Board approved a two‑year phased take‑home vehicle program for the Williston Police Department to aid recruitment and retention, starting with six end‑of‑life patrol units; commissioners raised concerns about 2026 budget timing and payment scheduling.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 24 to approve a two‑year phased take‑home vehicle program for the police department, starting with six end‑of‑life patrol units and prioritizing veteran and special‑assignment officers.
Commissioner James Bervig framed the request as primarily a recruitment and retention tool, saying the department has lost senior officers to other agencies and that the city invests roughly $90,000 to train recruits. Bervig said take‑home vehicles improve accountability, reduce idle time and can extend vehicle lifespans.
Finance Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl said he was not opposed to the program itself but was concerned about off‑budget spending during the 2026 fiscal year. He asked whether payment could be deferred to fiscal 2027 or whether ordering in 2026 with 2027 delivery would allow budgeting flexibility. City Administrator Shawn Wenko and Finance Director Hercules Cummings said payment is due on delivery but there is lead time from manufacturers; options included ordering in 2026 with delivery in 2027 or using a budget amendment if vehicles arrive in 2026.
Police Chief Steven Gutknecht said the take‑home program improves morale and is comparable with the sheriff’s department program; he also said officers take greater pride and responsibility for assigned vehicles. Commissioner Victoria Siemieniewski said she supported the program but preferred waiting until the 2027 budget cycle if timing permitted; several commissioners agreed that delaying delivery to align with the budget could be an acceptable compromise.
The motion approved a phased rollout starting with six end‑of‑life patrol vehicles in fiscal 2026, with partial take‑home privileges focused on veteran and special assignments, and completion of the program in fiscal 2027 subject to legal review. The motion passed 5‑0 (mover: James Bervig; second: Brad Bekkedahl). The minutes show commissioners recorded votes as AYE: Gjovig, Bekkedahl, Siemieniewski, Bervig and Klug.
