Council looks at phased plan for vehicle replacement
One of the major concerns expressed at Columbus Town Council’s retreat earlier this year was the condition of the town’s police fleet.
“The number one priority at the retreat was the police vehicle fleet,” said Columbus Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe.
Columbus Town Council met Thursday, April 21 and approved purchasing a used Ford Explorer as well as financing two new Dodge Chargers.
Officers told council that some current vehicles are not safe.
Police chief Chris Beddingfield said the safety of the vehicle assigned to the chief, a Chevy Tahoe, is currently in question.
Kanipe said the town has realized through the winter months that it needs a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Officials have found a 2006 Ford Explorer with 60,000 miles for sale. Council approved purchasing the used Explorer for a price of approximately $14,600, including taxes and tag.
Columbus is hoping to receive at least $2,000 for selling a Ford Crown Victoria and hoping to get approximately $4,000 by selling the Chevy Tahoe. The town also recently sold two other vehicles and received $3,900. The remainder for the Explorer will be paid for out of the town’s contingency fund.
Council also approved purchasing two new Dodge Chargers to replace the aged police fleet.
One vehicle was recently in an accident that was not the officer’s fault. Town officials said most likely the insurance company will replace that vehicle.
The price for one Dodge Charger is $22,227, with the town financing those purchases at the lowest possible interest rate.