In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal for a budget modification to allocate $450,000 for the purchase of new police vehicles, specifically for the detective division. The current fleet, described as an aging gas-powered collection, is in urgent need of replacement due to high maintenance costs and fuel usage. Chief Tenty emphasized that this would be the first time in over three decades that new vehicles would be assigned directly to detectives, rather than being handed down from the patrol division.

The proposal includes a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with plans to acquire Chevy Equinox EVs. The department is also exploring the installation of charging systems to support the new fleet. The urgency of the request stems from the department's struggle to maintain operational efficiency without adequate vehicles, as they have been without new cars for nearly two years.

Finance officials noted that utilizing available funds from the general fund account for this purchase would prevent the need for a tax increase, which is projected to rise by 3% to cover vehicle costs in the upcoming budget. They highlighted that police vehicles typically have a shorter useful life of three years, making it financially prudent to pay for them outright rather than borrowing.

Looking ahead, officials acknowledged that more vehicle replacement requests are anticipated in future budget discussions, as the city continues to manage its capital needs while balancing budgetary constraints. The meeting underscored the importance of proactive planning to ensure that the police department remains equipped to serve the community effectively.