Board authorizes police chief to confirm best quote for new SUVs after reviews of multiple bids

The North Vernon City Board of Public Works on May 28 reviewed multiple dealer quotes for replacement police SUVs and authorized the police chief to confirm the best net price and move forward under emergency purchase procedures.

Chief Messer presented three written dealer quotes that listed per‑vehicle prices and trade‑in allowances for older Dodge Chargers. The board heard at least one quote near $40,676 per unit and others ranging above $41,000; trade‑in allowances cited in the discussion included figures such as $7,500 and $6,000 for older Chargers. Messer said some Charger and Challenger models are no longer manufactured, a factor in current pricing.

"I sent five bids out. We only received three back," Messer said, then summarized the unit prices and trade‑in allowances and asked staff member Charlie to double‑check the figures.

A board member said the offer from Russ Hubler appeared to yield the best net price and moved to "allow Chief Messer and Charlie to review to confirm that and then give him the authority to move forward with emergency" procurement. Pat seconded the motion. The chair called for a voice vote and announced, "Motion carries."

Why it matters: The board acted to speed a vehicle replacement process that affects police operations and fleet costs, delegating final vendor selection and purchase authority to staff after verification of the quotes.

The board did not record a formal roll‑call vote total in the discussion beyond the chair's announcement that the motion carried. The chief and staff were authorized to complete vendor confirmation and execute purchase paperwork under the board's authority.

The board moved on without setting a specific vendor on the record; the chief is expected to report the finalized contract or purchase at a later meeting or through staff channels.