August 26, 2024 |
Photo – 2016 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor – Courtesy amercars.com
The Saratoga Police Department will purchase two pre-owned police vehicles.
During the June 18th Saratoga town council meeting, Police Chief Mike Morris asked the governing body to allow him to buy two used Chevy Tahoe police SUVs for $82,500. The council gave Chief Morris permission to enter into negotiations with the dealership, but asked him to wait until the end of July, when the new fiscal year began, to finalize the purchase.
At the following town council meeting, a disappointed Chief Morris informed the council that the Illinois dealership sold the two SUVs before he could complete the deal.
On Tuesday, Chief Morris said he found another two police vehicles that, while not perfect, meet his department’s needs. The police chief reminded the council that he’s missed out on past purchases.
Chief Morris said a Chicago dealership has both a 2016 and 2018 Ford Explorer for sale. The police chief said the 2018 model is nearly ready for service. Any needed equipment can be taken from existing Saratoga police vehicles.
Chief Morris said the 2016 Explorer has more miles, but fewer engine hours than the 2018 model. The police chief said the older Explorer is a former fire department vehicle, which appeals to him.
Chief Morris said the Chicago dealership agreed to give the town a discount if both Explorers were purchased at the same time. The police chief said delivery to Saratoga is included in the price.
Chief Morris said the 2018 Explorer is better equipped and should be on the road soon after it is received.
The older Explorer will be kept in reserve until enough money can be found in the budget to install needed equipment.
Mayor Chuck Davis asked Chief Morris how much money he had set aside in his current budget to purchase vehicles. The police chief said he has $100,000 to use for new police cruisers, but he intends to save some of that money.
Councilwoman Kathy Beck asked Chief Morris if he was planning to sell any vehicles from his existing fleet. The chief said he has three police vehicles he would like to sell. Chief Morris said he is waiting for Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip to give him authorization to auction them off.
Chief Morris said he will transfer the communications and computer equipment from the older vehicles to the new Explorers.
Councilwoman Beck motioned to allow Chief Morris to buy the two pre-owned Ford Explorer police cruisers. The councilwoman said the town shouldn’t miss out on this deal.
Councilwoman Beck’s motion was seconded and passed. Mayor Davis instructed Chief Morris to return the signed bill of sale to the Chicago dealership as soon as possible.
