Managing editor
A car purchase was planned in 2011 for Marion Police Department. At Monday’s city council meeting, Police Chief Josh Whitwell presented a proposal that the council approved, although not unanimously.
In the past, the department had purchased used police cruisers for around $16,000. Those vehicles would serve the department for about five years before repairs were required to keep them operational. Whitwell asked the council to consider purchasing a new cruiser for $5,000 or $6,000 more, which should last 10 years.
He also asked the council to consider a bid that was not the lowest bid.
There were three 2011 vehicles considered — a Chevrolet Impala for $20,629; a Dodge Charger for $23,068; or a Ford Crown Victoria for $28,423.
The vehicles being considered were offered through a government website because it could offer better prices than dealerships, Whitwell said.
The police chief wanted to purchase the Charger because it had rear-wheel drive, which is used in the academy to train officers, and it had more room in the front seat for the driver.
Gas mileage was comparable and an additional $500 was needed to install a siren, siren box, console, and decals on the Charger.
Mayor Mary Olson said she was concerned there might be other purchases coming up for the police department that might not be feasible if $2,500 more is spent for the Charger than the Impala.
In the end, the council approved the purchase of the Charger with Olson and Chris Meierhoff voting against.
In other business:
- A payment of $125,897 was approved to APAC Kansas-Shears Division for a waterline replacement project on the southeast part of the city. Of that money, $71,463 was paid from the Community Development Block Grant fund and $54,434 from the bond.
- The council will have a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday in the city building to hear more information about a consultant to be hired to lead a retreat. One was considered but wanted to charge $1,200 for a four-hour training session. City Administrator Doug Kjellin will check into other options and report at Monday’s meeting.
- The council met in closed session for 15 minutes with Whitwell, assistant police chief Tyler Mermis, and Kjellin. In another closed session, the council met with Kjellin for 15 minutes. No action was taken after either sessions.
The next regular council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the city building.