Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends buying two police cruisers after chief warns fleet is thin
Summary
After the police chief reported the department has eight working cars and some vehicles exceed 100,000 miles, the Budget Committee unanimously recommended a $140,000 warrant article to replace two cruisers.
The Budget Committee unanimously recommended a $140,000 warrant article to purchase two police cruisers and ancillary equipment, citing fleet condition concerns raised by the chief.
During the discussion the police chief (speaker 18) told the committee: "We currently have 8 working cars. We had 9 at the beginning of the year. 1 of those cars didn't pass inspection. Down to 8." He said some cruisers have more than 100,000 miles and the oldest inspected car is not expected to last the year, so replacement is needed to maintain response capacity. Committee members said that, while the town previously tried warrant articles for cruisers and failed, the fleet has reached a point where replacement should be funded.
The committee voted to recommend the article by roll call (10–0). Presenters said, if adopted, the procurement and outfitting will take several months, and they recommended continuing a planned replacement cadence to avoid future fleet shortfalls.
