Ward council approves purchase of a used police vehicle amid concerns over condition and timing

The Ward City Council voted to approve Resolution 2023-35 on July 5, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to enter a contract to purchase a used police vehicle after a brief session about fleet needs and procurement timing.

Council members voted in favor after staff described an immediate operational shortfall in patrol vehicles and said a unit was available that could be put into service within about two weeks. Clerk Clark recorded the roll call showing Council members Chapman, MCB (recorded in the transcript as MCM/MCB), Brooke and Rubel voting yes; two members were absent.

The discussion centered on two competing pressures: an immediate need to keep patrol capacity intact and the likelihood that state contract listings for 2024 models are being superseded by 2025 bid lists in the coming weeks, which participants said could raise prices. City staff told the council the new state bid list was expected within roughly one to two weeks, but they could not confirm whether ordering windows would prevent immediate purchase.

Council members and staff also debated the condition and long-term value of the specific used vehicle offered for purchase. Meeting audio recorded that the vehicle had been described in the discussion as having roughly "655,000 miles" and a price of about "$30,000." Several participants cautioned the council about buying used units without full information on idle hours and demonstrated maintenance history; one council member said they were "100% against buying more used vehicles," while another urged buying the available vehicle on a case-by-case basis to maintain patrol capacity and to budget for two new vehicles a year going forward.

Participants also raised leasing and rental alternatives. Council members and staff noted that some neighboring jurisdictions use three-year rental or lease arrangements (for example, through Enterprise) that include maintenance and allow vehicles to be rotated out after a fixed term; the council agreed to explore such options when preparing the next budget.

After discussion, a motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded. The resolution passed by roll call vote; the council said it would revisit procurement strategy and lease options in future budget planning.

The meeting adjourned after the vote; council members said staff would follow up on the procurement timeline and the options discussed.