Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dewey Beach council authorizes purchase of replacement police SUV using projected surplus
Summary
After the chief reported multiple patrol vehicles out of service or needing major repairs, commissioners approved purchasing a replacement SUV (vehicle ~$50,000 plus upfitting) and agreed to account for the cost against an anticipated surplus from last fiscal year.
The Dewey Beach commission on June 20 approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of a replacement police SUV after the chief reported a cascade of vehicle failures that left the department short on patrol cars.
The chief said three vehicles required major repairs (including an estimated $13,053 engine replacement on a 2017 Tahoe and nearly $9,700 in suspension/transmission work on a spare truck), that spare units are aging and that patrol capability had been reduced. He requested the council authorize approximately $50,000 for a replacement vehicle and noted typical upfitting costs run $15,000–$20,000; his working figure for the emergency purchase was $65,000.
Commissioners discussed fleet‑replacement cycles, the need for spares, and funding options. Staff said an anticipated audit surplus of about $300,000 could be used to reimburse the general fund when final numbers are available; the motion to purchase was amended to state the expense would be covered from last year’s projected surplus pending audit confirmation. The motion passed with all present voting aye.
Council asked staff to consider a longer‑term fleet replacement plan and to include vehicle‑replacement cadence and capital budgeting in upcoming budget discussions.
