Hartland board authorizes purchase order now for two police squads budgeted in 2026

Hartland — The Village Board authorized the police chief to place orders for two patrol squads now under the state bid, with payment to occur when the vehicles arrive in 2026.

Chief explained that ordering earlier locks in current pricing and helps mitigate manufacturer lead times that have varied over recent years. The chief said the department generally follows a four-year replacement cycle for its main patrol vehicles and described typical mileage ranges (mid- to upper-80,000 miles, up to about 100,000 for some vehicles). The chief estimated auction resale values for retired SUVs at roughly $10,000–$15,000, depending on condition.

Trustees moved, seconded and approved the purchase authorization by voice vote; staff noted vehicles will not be billed until taken into inventory in 2026.