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Lake Park council approves upgraded body armor, OKs up to $50,000 for new patrol car using ARPA funds
Summary
Council approved a $2,191.19 upgrade to department ballistic armor and authorized up to $50,000 to buy and outfit a new police vehicle, using $33,993.64 in remaining ARPA funds plus general-fund revenue to cover remaining costs.
The Lake Park City Council on Nov. 5 approved two police-equipment purchases: upgraded ballistic vests for officers and a funding plan to buy and outfit a new patrol vehicle.
Police Chief Ed Yarbrough requested approval to upgrade the department’s body armor from level 2A to 3A, saying the higher-rated vests would provide greater protection. Council Member Oscar Griffith moved to purchase the vests at a quoted cost of $2,191.19 from the police budget; Council Member Carl Spano seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
The council also addressed financing for a previously approved new patrol vehicle. Financing through lenders proved difficult for single-vehicle purchases, so Council Member Carl Spano proposed using $33,993.64 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and about $17,000 from increased fines and forfeitures revenues to cover the remainder, capping the purchase and outfitting at $50,000. Chief Yarbrough noted some equipment could be transferred from the outgoing vehicle and that auctioning the old vehicle could recoup additional funds. Council approved the motion unanimously, 4-0.
Council members said they would track allowable ARPA uses carefully; City Clerk Lisa Johnson reminded the group that ARPA obligations must be in place by Dec. 31, 2024. The approved actions authorize immediate procurement but do not specify exact vehicle make/models or final outfitting line items beyond the not-to-exceed cap.
