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Council approves buying 2024 Tahoe now after repeated Explorer repairs; local officer hired
Summary
Acting police captain told council repeated, costly repairs to Ford Explorer cruisers prompted a request to use next year’s vehicle funds now to buy a 2024 Tahoe; council approved the budget amendment 6–0. The department also hired a local patrol officer expected to pursue an SRO role.
HUNTSVILLE — The City Council voted to amend this year’s budget so the police department can buy a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe to replace aging Ford Explorer cruisers that have required frequent, costly repairs. Acting Captain (filling in for Chief Thomas) told council a single water‑pump repair recently ‘‘cost us almost four grand’’ and that the Explorers have been ‘‘in the shop constantly.’’
The captain said state bid pricing puts a police‑package Tahoe at about $56,000, compared with roughly $49,000 paid last year for a Dodge Durango. Councilors were told buying now would simply use next year’s vehicle allocation and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Councilor Lacy moved to approve the budget amendment; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with Lacy, Thomas, Evans, Rhoden, Myer and Ford recorded as voting yes (6–0).
The captain also announced a personnel change: Officer Travis left and the department hired local applicant Kobby Fauler, who was scheduled to begin the next day. The captain said Fauler has experience with the sheriff’s office and school maintenance and hopes to pursue a school resource officer position when it becomes available.
Why it matters: Replacing repeatedly unreliable patrol vehicles can reduce maintenance spending and downtime for the department, but it front‑loads capital costs. Council emphasized the purchase will be an expense in the current fiscal year and that next year’s vehicle line will be reduced accordingly.
What happens next: Staff will proceed with procurement through the state bid process and adjust the fiscal 2025 vehicle line during next year’s budget preparations.
