Platte City Board of Aldermen Tuesday night approved the purchase of a four-wheel drive SUV to be used by the police department.
The 4×4 mid-sized SUV police vehicle will be purchased from Thoroughbred Ford in Platte City for $21,520.55. While the vehicle is being ordered now, it will be paid for from the fiscal year 2011 budget. The city’s fiscal year begins Nov. 1.
Purchase of the 2010 Ford Explorer occurred on a split vote. Alderman Andy Stanton questioned the need, noting the city has never had a four wheel drive vehicle in its fleet to this point. On questioning from Stanton, Carl Mitchell, police chief, said the purchase of the SUV was part of the recommendations made by a consulting firm prior to his arrival as police chief.
“Is this the same consulting firm that recommended the purchase of tasers and other things that you’ve loaded next year’s budget with?” Stanton asked. Mitchell replied that it is the same consulting firm.
Mitchell said the four-wheel drive will prevent some police officers from having to drive their own vehicles in inclement weather.
Stanton was the only board member to oppose the purchase. It passed 4-1, with Alderman Charles Cook absent.
Thoroughbred Ford was the low bidder on the vehicle. Mitchell said the Explorer will be “loaded.”
Other bidders were Shawnee Mission Ford at $22,171 for a 2010 Explorer and $24,408 for a 2011 Explorer. Roberts Auto Plaza of Platte City bid $27,818 for a 2011 Chevy Tahoe.
Alderman Tony Paolillo said he was pleased to see that a car dealer in Platte City was the low bidder. “And a company (Ford) that didn’t take government bailout money,” Paolillo said.