Rangely accepts two donated police vehicles; council limits spending until new town manager reviews budget

Chief Hamlin presented a surprise opportunity: two decommissioned but largely outfitted Ford Interceptor patrol vehicles donated by the Town of Eagle, with radios and many installed items already included. He asked the council to approve up to $15,000 to adapt radios, convert in-car computers and add minor items so the cars could enter service. "These come completely furnished, and they need slight modifications just to make them work for us," the chief said.

Council members voiced fiscal concerns about a department that finished the prior year over budget by roughly $109,000 and debated whether accepting the vehicles would commit the town to additional spending. Todd (councilmember) proposed tabling the request until the incoming town manager could review the budget; that motion was briefly made and rescinded. The council then approved a motion to accept the donated vehicles with a specific restriction: none of the outfitting expense may be expended until the new town manager has had an opportunity to review and work with the chief on financing. Tim (councilmember) made the motion; Todd seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The donated vehicles offer an immediate operational benefit to public safety at a lower acquisition cost, but the council imposed a budgetary safeguard to avoid obligating funds before the newly hired town manager reviews fiscal options and confirms available lines in the budget.