Summary Since FY 2009-2010, City budgets have included funds for the updating and replacement of Alachua Police Department (APD) fleet of vehicles. During this time period, eighteen (18) vehicles have been purchased. The FY 2017-2018 budget plan, as presented to the City Commission during the budget process, contemplated the procurement of six (6) additional vehicles by way of a multi-year capital lease in order to complete replacement of the remaining Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles. Five of these vehicles are currently inoperable and beyond the point of economic repair.
After months of attempting to place a capital lease in effect, City staff has determined that the capital lease option is not viable, primarily, due to capital lease terms, rates and timely performance concerns.
Staff evaluation of the operational and pool vehicle needs of APD has determined that four (4) Dodge Charger Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) need to be purchased in the current year. This purchase would include the acquisition of one (1) Charger PPV V8 and three (3) Charger PPV V6. The cost to purchase these vehicles based on the Florida Sheriff's Association contract award with AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is $84,809. Estimated cost of equipping the vehicles with cameras, radars, radios, computers and lighting is approximately $85,000.
APD FY 2017-2018 continuation capital budget of $108,000 and approximately $2,000 of capital budget related to the enhancement of two (2) additional Police Officer positions is available. Hence, staff requests that an additional $60,000 be added from General Fund Contingency budget to enable the purchase of these vehicles.
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