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Ellsworth council authorizes up to $90,000 for lease-purchase of police vehicles
Summary
Council authorized up to $90,000 for lease-purchase financing to acquire and upfit up to two police vehicles to maintain patrol capacity; the motion passed after discussion about budget timing and vehicle availability.
Ellsworth City Council authorized staff to pursue a lease-purchase arrangement not to exceed $90,000 to acquire and upfit one or two used police vehicles.
Police staff explained that used patrol vehicles sell quickly and prior attempts to reserve vehicles were unsuccessful; the authorization is intended to give staff flexibility to secure and upfit suitable vehicles when they become available. The financing scenario described included a three-year term at roughly 6.23% interest, presented as a financing cushion rather than a specific purchase.
Council discussed whether current-year budgets could contribute to payments and how carryover or cash balances might be used; staff said the first payment would likely fall in 2026. Councilor Panzer moved and a second was given; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition and the authorization was recorded as not to exceed two vehicles and $90,000 total.
