Bucket truck delayed; salvaged cop car OK’d
Staff writer
The Marion City Council approved the purchase of a salvaged police cruiser Tuesday but delayed action on a nearly $300,000 bucket truck for the electric department pending review of financing options.
Council members unanimously voted to buy a 2024 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor from J.W. Auto Sales for $32,500, plus approximately $16,300 to outfit the vehicle with law enforcement equipment.
The vehicle will be paid for out of the city’s equipment reserve, while outfit costs will come from the police department’s budget.
The outfit estimate may increase slightly but is not expected to rise significantly, police chief Aaron Slater said.
The council then considered a proposal to replace two bucket trucks with a new 65-foot unit priced at $299,036.
The proposal would involve seeking loan quotes from local financial institutions rather than paying for the purchase from reserves, administrator Brian Wells said.
Proceeds from selling the city’s 1999 and 2007 trucks could be used to reduce principal or replenish the equipment fund.
The 1999 truck’s knuckle boom design makes it difficult to maneuver in Marion’s narrow alleys, electric supervisor Steven Hart said.
“The boom’s too big,” Hart said. “You’ve got 40 foot when you’re trying to turn compared to 20 foot, and it just doesn’t work in our tight spaces in this town.”
Hart said vendors no longer serviced equipment beyond a certain age, raising maintenance and safety concerns.
Councilmember Tim Baxa said he was not opposed to upgrading equipment but wanted clearer financing details.
“I would at least like to see what kind of interest rate we’re looking at and what kind of terms they would give on that,” Baxa said.
In other business, the council approved a $160,224.30 bid from Double Check Co. of Wichita for a new airport fuel system. of Wichita. The project includes a 5,000-gallon fuel tank and supporting infrastructure.
After accounting for a KDOT aviation grant of about $138,330, the city’s estimated share is roughly $37,093.30.
Council members also approved raising the hourly wage for part-time police officers by $2.50, bringing the rate to $22.50 per hour, the highest in the county.
Amanda Dameron was recognized as winner of the city’s logo contest.
Economic development director Megan Jones said 16 submissions were—and still are—displayed at Marion City Library. Official adoption of the logo was postponed to a future meeting.