Ford City Borough Council unanimously approved the police car purchase.
by Jonathan Weaver
Ford City Borough Police officers will have a new vehicle in it’s fleet.
Last week, council members unanimously approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford Interceptor from Tri-Star of Blairsville.
The car was sold for more than $33,200 through the State cooperative purchasing program COSTARS.
Council President Carol Fenyes said the expense includes $24,000 for the vehicle and $9,000 for lighting and emergency upgrades.
Mayor Jeff Cogley said the determination to purchase a Ford vehicle was not a “personal preference.”
“I looked at Dodge’s, I looked at Chevy’s, I looked at Ford’s and they’re all basically the same price,” Mayor Cogley said. “And, the State Police said the Ford Taurus all-wheel drive vehicle is the best vehicle. They love them.
“The police department is in desperate need of a good dependable vehicle.”
The car will be purchased utilizing four years of financing from S&T Bank. Borough officials are thought to be making quarterly payments, depending on the amount Finance Committee members “put down” on the vehicle.
Mayor Cogley said the new Ford will replace the white marked police car.
“The transmission went out on it – again,” Mayor Cogley said. “That put us in a need for a dependable car for our officers and our community.
“And our (other unmarked police) car is in the same condition.”
Both vehicles have had transmission problems.
Interim Police Chief Freel supported the need for an all-wheel drive vehicle due to working and mutual aid agreements with Kittanning Borough, Manor Township and North Buffalo Township police departments.
“You can not put a price on officer safety,” Interim Chief Freel said.
During the monthly report, Chief Freel said there were 222 traffic tickets issued, 15 parking citations and 10 written warnings, among other activities. He also reported $4,000 in property damage was estimated in January and officers are working hard in the ongoing battle against narcotics.
Borough Manager Eden Ratliff said after a special meeting last month that council members budgeted for the first installment for the new police car after the budget was re-opened.
A deal to purchase two 2009 Dodge Chargers from Plum Borough for $5,000 “fell through.”
One of the two current Crown Victoria vehicles is currently driven regularly by Ordinance Enforcement Officer Michele Meixelberger.
Council will have a special meeting at 5PM this evening at the borough building to discuss the amended 2016 budget and tax ordinance.