Des Moines County approves interlocal JAG agreement to buy three e-bikes for patrols

Des Moines County supervisors on April 14 approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Burlington to buy three electric bicycles for police patrols, county staff said.

Rob (county staff) told the board the agreement — between Burlington and Des Moines County — would buy three e-bikes: two for Burlington Police Department bike patrol and one for the sheriff’s bike patrol. Rob said the purchase is fully funded by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). “The good part is it’s 100% funded through the Edward Byrne Grant,” he said.

Nut graf: The purchase was presented as a cost-free upgrade to patrol mobility and community policing capabilities, with the county acting as a partner in an interlocal purchase and no local share required under the grant, according to staff.

Board members moved and approved the agreement in a voice vote. Supervisors asked that the agreement, once signed, be returned to county staff and that copies be retained for county records. The board also discussed logistics for signatures and for providing a copy to county staff; Trent Hubig was noted as needing to sign as well.

Background and details: Staff described the e-bikes as useful for patrolling trails, parks and festival areas and for enabling officers to traverse hills and respond more quickly on foot-path and trail networks. The agreement was presented as enabling partner purchases under the JAG award; no local match was reported.

What happens next: The board approved the agreement and authorized signatures; staff will circulate copies and finalize the interlocal contract for implementation.

Ending: The board recorded the unanimous approval and moved on to routine claims and personnel items.