Interim chief seeks council consensus to order $60,000-range vehicle to recruit new chief; council agrees to place request on consent agenda

Interim Police Chief Bob Altoff asked the council for preliminary consensus to procure a 2026 Chevy Tahoe from Criswell Fleet Services, citing the need for a safer and more functional vehicle to help recruit a new police chief and to support emergency equipment installation.

Altoff described the department's current vehicle situation: a donated 2015 Ford Taurus with nonfunctioning windows and a car with about 158,000 miles that created daily discomfort for officers. "I hit my head every day on that getting in," he said, arguing that a modern SUV with proper wiring and safety features is necessary for operations and recruitment. He cited a purchase estimate in the $60,000 range and noted equipment costs for lights and outfitting would add up to as much as about $10,000.

Council members discussed whether to finance or buy outright and asked which budget line would cover the purchase; the mayor said town funds were available and staff would determine the appropriate line items. Several councilors and the vice mayor said they supported moving ahead and recommended the item be placed on the consent agenda of the next regular meeting so council could formally approve procurement after review.

What happens next: staff will place the vehicle procurement request on the regular-meeting consent agenda with budget details and the town attorney will be asked to review procurement options; no formal vote was taken at the workshop, only council consensus to advance the request.

Why it matters: procurement affects public-safety operations, recruiting and the municipal vehicle fleet; councilors emphasized fiscal prudence and asked staff to identify the funding source for final approval.