Council approves purchase of an available patrol cruiser and funds to upgrade cruiser computers

The London City Council approved two measures affecting public safety equipment: an appropriation to buy an immediately available, fully upfitted police cruiser and a transfer of $49,338 to purchase nine Windows‑11‑compatible computers for police cruisers.

Council members supported purchasing a cruiser that is already outfitted rather than waiting months for a new vehicle to be ordered and upfitted. Staff said funds were available in the capital improvement fund but needed to be appropriated before year‑end or the money would revert to the general fund. "We have 3 on the lot right now," staff said of available cruisers, and council moved to suspend the three-reading rule and adopt the appropriation so the department could take advantage of the availability.

Separately, the council approved Resolution 195.25 to reallocate $49,338 from personnel-category funds to operations to buy nine in-vehicle computers. Staff explained the current cruiser computers were not compatible with the sheriff’s LEADS/CJIS security requirements unless the machines are Windows 11 compatible; an extension for Windows 10 was allowing continued operation but was not acceptable for LEADS/CJIS long term. Staff also noted vendor pricing was quoted as valid through December, adding urgency to the transfer.

Both measures passed by roll call. Council members said the purchases keep the police fleet operational and ensure on‑car communications and dispatching meet state security requirements.