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Council authorizes up to $504,000 for police vehicle purchases after 4–2 vote
Summary
The Burlington City Council authorized the police department to spend up to $504,000 on patrol vehicles, following concerns about fleet standardization, ER&R funding and vehicle specifications; the motion passed 4–2.
The Burlington City Council voted 4–2 on Feb. 12 to authorize the police department to spend up to $504,000 from its 2026 budget allocation to purchase patrol vehicles.
Police Chief Kevin Turner requested council authority to complete purchases within the approved budget line, describing the need to maintain a compatible fleet and a universal inventory of parts to permit routine repairs. Councilors debated the number of vehicles to be purchased, ER&R (Equipment Replacement & Repair) fund implications, and how specialty upgrades would affect final unit cost.
Councilor Elizabeth Turman-Bryant and Councilor Scott Green moved the authorization. Councilors Kelsey Freeman, Jamie Weiss, Turman-Bryant and Jesús Pérez-Linares voted in favor; Councilors Scott Green and James Stavig opposed.
The council did not record specific unit counts in the meeting minutes; staff said final models and quantities would align with budget limits and procurement specifications approved by the city.
The authorization allows the police department to finalize purchase documents and proceed with procurement within the $504,000 cap.
Next steps: staff will complete procurement and return any required contract documents for the mayor's signature as specified in the motion.
