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Caribou council approves seven police cruisers, several equipment purchases and adopts 2026 tax rate
Summary
The Caribou City Council voted July 20 to buy seven police cruisers (not to exceed $478,000 with $91,000 from the small equipment fund), approved other capital purchases and adopted a 2.5-mill tax increase after debate over budget priorities.
The Caribou City Council voted on July 20 to purchase seven police cruisers, approved multiple other equipment purchases and adopted the city’s 2026 tax mill rate, a package councilors said was necessary to maintain services amid rising costs.
The council approved a motion to buy seven police vehicles with outfitting for a total not to exceed $478,000. Council discussion centered on financing: existing capital ($387,139 noted by staff), $100,000 of ARPA funds, departmental accounts and a proposed $91,000 transfer from the city’s small equipment account. After back-and-forth on phasing and leasing alternatives, a motion to proceed (including the $91,000 transfer) was made, seconded and passed on a roll-call vote; the mayor read the Aye votes and declared the motion carried.
Council also approved a parks mower purchase and a Fire Department command vehicle. Parks and Recreation staff recommended purchasing a SKAG Tiger Cat 2 (61-inch deck, 32-hp Kohler motor) for $10,479.99 from account G1365-10; that motion passed. The council approved a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV for the Fire Chief from Colonial Municipal Group for roughly $56,003.41 from reserve account G1368-11.
Why it matters: Councilors said updating worn vehicles is necessary to avoid greater maintenance costs and to maintain public safety services. Opponents during the debate urged exploring lease options and directed staff to look for savings within departmental balances before future tax increases.
Votes at a glance: - Police cruisers: Motion to purchase seven cruisers with an additional $91,000 from the small equipment fund (not to exceed $478,000). Outcome: approved (roll-call; mayor declared motion carries). - Z mower (Parks & Rec): SKAG Tiger Cat 2 for $10,479.99 from account G1365-10. Outcome: approved (roll-call). - Fire Chief vehicle: 2026 Chevy Tahoe SSV, ~$56,003.41 from G1368-11. Outcome: approved (roll-call).
Council comments: Some councilors said they were reluctant to raise taxes but felt capital needs required action; others argued the city should spend down departmental balances rather than increasing the mill rate further.
Next steps: Procurement and scheduling for vehicle delivery and outfitting are the responsibility of the relevant departments; staff will follow up on financing details and any lease-referendum requirements for future purchases.
