Winamac Town Marshal Mike Buchanan informed the town council members this week that officers with the Police Department are currently weighing options for a replacement vehicle.
When members met Monday night, Buchanan stated that the vehicle purchase was budgeted for this year. He said in order to move forward with the purchase, they would need the council’s approval.
Buchanan presented members with some different quotes from local dealerships. Council President Tom Murray read the proposed quotes into the record. He said the dealership Jim Dobson’s Ford submitted three quotes. One quote was $33,455 for a 2018 Taurus, the second quote for a Ford Explorer was $29,537 and the final quote of $32,576 was also for a Ford Explorer but for one with eco-boost motor.
The dealership Braun Chrysler-Doge-Jeep also submitted three quotes for consideration. One quote of $25,172 was for a Dodge Charger, another quote came in at $27,903 and their final quote was for $25,681 for a series 1500 Series Crew-cab Four-Wheel-Drive truck.
A few different members of Winamac’s police force were in attendance so members asked their opinion about which option they’d like to go with. There was a general consensus that the officers would prefer an SUV over a truck.
One officer said that an SUV would traverse the town’s alleys and streets easier, while another officer mentioned that since trucks sit a little higher, it could prove difficult to get a combative subject into that type of vehicle.
The newest addition to the force, Officer Alec Berger weighed in, explaining why an SUV would be more advantageous than a truck.
“The bed is pretty much wasted space. You know, you can put the towel covers on and cover all that but it still gets dust and moisture and everything in there.” Berger went on, “With an SUV if you open up the hatch you can store your equipment in there. You know it’s going to be safe, you know it’s going to be out of the weather and people aren’t going to be able to get in there and get to it.´
Council members approved the purchase but ultimately left the final decision up to the officers who will be utilizing the vehicle.
