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Council backs Tesla Model Y for police fleet; members cite maintenance and fuel savings
Summary
Council approved up to $33,000 toward acquiring and outfitting a Tesla Model Y for police use (Michiana’s 50% share), offset in part by $26,000 trade-in proceeds from a sold 2020 Tahoe; residents asked whether alternative EV SUVs like the Kia EV9 had been considered.
Michiana’s Village Council approved funding, not to exceed $33,000, to purchase and outfit a Tesla Model Y for police use. The council recorded an estimated total acquisition and outfitting cost of roughly $66,000 and an estimated equipment-installation cost of $10,000–$12,000; the village’s 50% share was listed at about $33,000 and the recently sold 2020 Tahoe brought approximately $26,000 into the police vehicle reserve fund.
President Tim McCarthy moved the funding motion, which was seconded and passed unanimously. During public comment, resident Megan Schmollinger asked whether other electric vehicle models had been considered, specifically "including vehicles such as the Kia EV9 or similar SUV-style electric vehicles that may perform well in local conditions." Councilors said the overall purchase cost was comparable to a traditional gas-powered vehicle and highlighted projected savings on fuel and routine maintenance.
The council also approved purchasing half the cost (not to exceed $5,200) of a shared speed trailer to be used jointly with the Village of Grand Beach to monitor speeds and improve traffic safety. Officials said trade-in proceeds from the 2020 Tahoe were deposited into the police vehicle reserve fund and will help offset fleet acquisition costs.
