CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Finance Committee discussed at last night’s meeting options for the purchase of a new police patrol car. A quote was received from Dotts Motor Company for a 2013 Ford Taurus with police interceptor content, plus lights, sirens and rear partition for a state contract price of $33,990. Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott noted the preferred option of purchasing a 2014 vehicle based on additional specs from Police Chief Vincent McGinnis.
McGinnis explained the 2014 model includes eco-boost, which he would prefer because of the added fuel savings and power. Stott said the upgrade would add approximately $4,000 to the total cost of the vehicle. She added that the 2014 model would have to be ordered with a four-month waiting period.
Stott said $25,000 was budgeted in the current-year budget for the purchase of a new patrol car, with the balance planned to be built into the 2014 budget.
Council member James Kling said he remembered when they planned the budget that they had approved that 50 percent of the cost of a new patrol car would be added to each of the two budget years, with no specific amount allotted. Stott verified the amount in the current-year budget allotted for car purchase was $25,000. The committee agreed to wait for more information from Dotts Motors regarding price before acting on the proposal.
Stott noted that in previous years, the lights, sirens, etc. were removed from the older vehicle and placed on the new vehicle, but the equipment is in disrepair and outdated, and needs replaced. She also noted that there will be some value from the trade-in that has not been finalized yet.
McGinnis reminded residents of the Drug Take Back program sponsored by the police department on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police station. This program is a way to safely dispose of used, unused or expired medications.
McGinnis reported that the police department addressed 436 incidents for last month.
McGinnis said new hire Steve Russo is certified for duty as part-time borough police officer. Part-time officer Jake Rhymestine, also hired in August, is still awaiting certifications before he is put on the road, he said.
The Finance Committee also approved the recommendation to council to purchase technology upgrades for the police station. The $5,200 cost of the upgrades has already been donated by an anonymous donor, Stott said.
The Personnel Committee approved the recommendation to accept the resignation of part-time patrol officer Lance Thompson.