Council approves police cruiser purchase; tables replacement of older bucket truck pending financing options

The Marion City Council unanimously approved the purchase of a patrol vehicle and delayed a larger equipment purchase after further financing information was requested.

Council voted to buy a 2024 Ford Explorer Interceptor from JW Auto Sales for $32,500 (5,700 miles) and to spend about $16,300 to upfit it for police use. Staff said funds will come from the equipment replacement fund and some PD funds for outfitting. The motion to purchase was moved and seconded and passed unanimously.

Separately, staff recommended replacing older bucket trucks with a new 65-foot unit capable of reaching higher poles. Staff presented a preliminary total estimate of about $299,036 for the new truck and outlined options to finance the purchase with a down payment and a 3- to 5-year loan; staff also discussed auctioning older units. After questions about timing, lead times and available loan terms, a council member moved to table the bucket-truck purchase until staff obtains multiple financing quotes; the motion to table was seconded and approved unanimously.

What happens next: staff will solicit loan quotes and return with financing options and trade-in/sale estimates for the older trucks before the council considers the purchase again.