Police Chief Wants A New Ride

Police Chief Joe Payne is requesting that the city purchase a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle at Wednesday's city council meeting.

The new administrative vehicle would be assigned to Payne and cost the city about $24,444.87, according to a staff report.

Payne's current vehicle is a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria with 99,000 miles.

"This car will be moved elsewhere in the administrative fleet for use by other staff members and detectives—and will replace a 1993 Crown Victoria with 111,000 miles," wrote Payne in a staff report.

Per Payne's report:

Police vehicles assigned for administrative uses are equipped with a police package to support the emergency equipment, greater trunk space for radio equipment and other emergency supplies. Although down-sized in recent years to increase fuel economy, these vehicles are full-sized sedans to accommodate passengers and equipment. The police package includes larger brakes, drive train/rear wheel drive, radiator, alternator/electrical system, suspension and frame, and is designed to withstand the demands of police work. Administrative vehicles, though not a typical black and white patrol vehicle, are subject to the same rigorous demands. Although a black and white patrol vehicle typically lasts five years at the outside, administrative vehicles must stay in use for ten years or more to limit the budgetary demands of the police department's fleet.

For Wednesday's full City Council agenda, to read more about this vehicle, and to watch the meeting live, click here.

Patch Asks: Should City Council approve this purchase?