Board approves application for Missouri Blue Shield grant to help buy patrol vehicles

The Board of Aldermen approved a motion to submit an application for the 2026 Missouri Blue Shield grant program to help the police department expand its 2027 vehicle purchases.

The police chief explained the recently announced grant allocates "28,985 per Blue Shield community who apply" (as stated) and said the department seeks to use the funding to buy a second patrol vehicle for 2027 in addition to its regularly scheduled replacement. The chief told the board the $28,985 amount would cover about 64% of a new vehicle’s list price and that, if awarded, payments are announced in October and paid out through May 2027. Board members asked about timing and whether there is any downside to applying; the chief said there is none and that the city already meets Blue Shield community standards.

A motion to approve the application was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript. The board’s approval authorizes staff to submit the application and, if awarded, to incorporate the grant into vehicle procurement plans for 2027.