The Riley County Law Board heard at its October meeting about the purchase of seven new vehicles for the Riley County Police Department
Captain Josh Kyle shared that these vehicles will be from the 2022 Budget.
Historically, vehicle purchase proposals were put up for bid and come to the Law Board for approval. Now they are purchased through a state contract, but officials want to keep the Board apprised of the condition of their fleet and purchase plans.
Plans are to replace two Dodge Chargers and three Ford Explorers with the 2022 Dodge Durango Pursuit. Administrators are also requesting to add one vehicle to the fleet. RCPD reported that vehicles are taking longer to get repaired due to covid-related supply issues, so the extra vehicle would help alleviate that situation.
The final vehicle needing replaced is a Ford Transit Van that is used by the court officers to transport suspects taken into custody, and by civil process to transport prisoners that are being extradited. It is more cost effective to handle the transport themselves.
Previously, a third-party company was being paid to transport inmates from out of state and it was very expensive. Board member Kathryn Focke inquired if the purchase was in the budget for 2022. Kyle stated that they have $270,000 budgeted and the estimate for these vehicles is $277,289.00, which includes equipment for the additional vehicle. They would plan to use unused personnel funds to cover the overage. They estimate that this account is underfunded by approximately $75,000. Board member Be Stoney inquired about the material for the seats of the new vehicles and if they may withstand the wear and tear better. Kyle said that they have not found a vehicle seat that a cop can’t destroy. He believes that manufacturers are resistive to making changes due to the extra expense that would only be used in police vehicles.
Board member John Ford asked what the average time for delivery is of the vehicles. The timing of production of the vehicles is somewhat uncertain so officials are coming to the Board now to get authorization and move forward with ordering. The police department uses the Vehicle Replacement Index (VRI) which provides a point system to determine whether or not a vehicle needs replaced, with mileage being one of the main factors. Kyle shared that prior to COVID if they manufactured the police vehicles first then they were typically ready in the spring. If they manufactured civilian vehicles first, then it was usually in the summer. They are not sure what effect covid may have on production, so they want to get their order in as soon as possible. The motion passed 6-0.
--from Riley County