Board approves special purchase of vehicle for warrants unit; funding confirmed

The Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety on Dec. 1 approved a special purchase request from the police department to obtain a vehicle and necessary emergency upfitting for the warrants division.

The assistant chief explained the department has had a vacancy and plans to fill the position next year; the department worked with La Porte Chrysler to identify a nearly new Jeep Grand Cherokee that could be upfitted in‑house, which the department said would save on labor costs. Ms. Smith told the board that funds were available to cover the purchase.

The board opened and closed public comment with none offered on this item, moved to approve the special purchase and carried the motion by unanimous vote.

The transcript lists a purchase amount that appears inconsistent with typical vehicle costs; the city did not provide further fiscal detail during the meeting record. Staff follow‑up is expected to document the final purchase price and funding source in the city finance records.