The North Judson Town Council members authorized Town Marshal Kelly Fisher to purchase a Tesla to add to the North Judson Police Department’s fleet of vehicles.
North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe stated that Fisher has given the council information on the benefits and downsides to utilizing an electric car as a squad car within the department, but believes that the savings in fuel and maintenance would be the best option as this time.
The electric vehicle would be the first of its kind on the fleet. Fisher previously told the council that the annual cost of electricity is estimated to be less than a fifth of what the town currently spends to fuel one of their existing vehicles, and maintenance costs would also be significantly lower.
There was one person who gave comments about the purchase during Monday night’s meeting. The resident owns a Tesla and Rowe said he discussed the benefits of the vehicle to the council members.
Rowe added that he has not received any other public comments in his office either for or against the purchase. He also said plenty of research has gone into the purchase of this vehicle over the last several months.
It will take several weeks to get the vehicle. The cost was approved at $50,990.
