PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend City Council has approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the city police department and two more for public works.
The total cost for the new vehicles will be $270,000.
The police department will receive three 2017 Ford Police Interceptors, fitted with lights, horns, sirens, radios and COBAN computer equipment, costing about $64,500 each. Each of the vehicles costs $31,500, with an additional $33,000 for the equipment.
They will replace two 2003 Ford Crown Victorias and one 2007 Crown Victoria, the former industry standard for police that Ford discontinued in 2011.
Nora Mitchell, finance and administrative services director, told the council Monday there were a few reasons the new police cars are needed, including computer equipment and lack of spare parts.
City Manager David Timmons told the council some of the older cars have been sidelined and that getting parts has become increasingly problematic.
The police department is poised to seek replacement for three more Crown Victorias next year and replacement of the final three Crown Victorias in 2018, according to city documents.
Public works will receive half-ton and three-quarter-ton Chevrolet Silverado 4WD pickups, at $27,544 and $55,488, respectively.
Public works is replacing a 1988 three-quarter-ton Dodge truck that has been surplussed after 181,000 miles.
The city is also replacing public works’ 1998 Ford Ranger that is beyond its 10-year useful life and has 150,000 miles.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5550, or at jmajor@peninsuladaily news.com.
