Agenda Item Wording:
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Conduct the first of two public hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate $190,000 and advance the purchase of one (1) marked patrol vehicle for FY 24/25 and purchase one (1) marked patrol vehicle to replace a Measure N funded Dodge Charger. In addition, staff is requesting to appropriate an additional $30,000 to address the budget shortfall for FY 23/24 vehicle purchases.
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Deadline for Action: 11/6/2023
Submitting Department: Police Department
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Chief Jason Salazar, ext. 4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city <mailto:jason.salazar@visalia.city>
Captain Dan Ford, ext. 4151, daniel.ford@visalia.city <mailto:daniel.ford@visalia.city>
Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, ext. 4250, liz.ybarra@visalia.city <mailto:liz.ybarra@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
Conduct the first of two public hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate $190,000 and advance the purchase of one (1) marked patrol vehicle for FY 24/25 and purchase one (1) marked patrol vehicle to replace a Measure N funded Dodge Charger, that was wrecked and totaled by a drunk driver. In addition, staff is requesting to appropriate an additional $30,000 to address the budget shortfall for FY 23/24 vehicle purchases.
Summary:
On June 19th, 2023, City Council approved an amendment to Measure N for the purchase of two (2) Dodge Charger patrol vehicles that were budgeted for FY 21/22 and 22/23. The vehicles had not been purchased in previous years due to low inventory and vehicle cost increases. This approval was provided after staff had presented to the Measure N Committee and conducted two Public Hearings.
Since presenting and receiving approval to increase the allocation, staff were notified that Dodge was no longer going to produce gas-powered Dodge Chargers in 2024, and due to high demand, there is no 2023 models available for purchase. Staff prepared a report to council on August 21, 2023, seeking approval to enter into the Measure N amendment process, with the intention of recommending the purchase of Ford Police Interceptors. However, due to circumstances currently affecting the automotive industry as a whole, Ford has not shown any indication of opening an ordering window. As a result, Staff have determined that the Dodge Durango provides city staff with the highest likelihood to both order and receive the full request. Despite staff’s original assessment, staff requested the Measure N Committee to further increase funding to $190,000 for two new vehicles and $30,000 for FY23/24 vehicle purchases to ensure all acceptable options are available to the Department should additional changes affect the automotive industry.
Background Discussion:
As a result of the discontinuation of the Dodge Charger, staff have been working to identify a suitable option to replace it. In anticipation of the high demand and limited supply, staff presented a request to the City Council on August 21st, 2023, to begin the Measure N amendment process. The projections provided by staff were based on the purchase and upfit cost for the Ford Police Interceptor, which was the most cost-efficient option to best serve the needs of the Department. As a result of this report, the City Council approved staff to initiate the Measure N amendment process.
Shortly after the August 21st Council meeting, the UAW initiated a strike of all three major automotive manufacturers. Because of this strike, Ford elected not to open their order window for purchasing and there is no indication that it will be opening soon. Despite this, Stellantis (Dodge) did open their ordering window for the Dodge Durango. The Dodge Durango is comparable in performance and maintenance to the Ford Police Interceptor and has been reviewed/approved by the Fleet Division. Additionally, because the City is a current customer, the organization will receive priority for ordering due to customer loyalty.
The estimated price for the Dodge Durango is consistent with the projections previously provided to council. However, due to the ongoing dynamic nature of the automotive industry, staff believe that it is appropriate to raise the requested increase to $95,000 per vehicle. This authorization request is due to the current strike and the uncertainties of that situation, and inflation. This will serve as a safety measure should the projections fall short or other external conditions impact the current situation. It will also provide staff with the flexibility to make immediate decisions and prevent the city from having to consider more dramatic means to resolving the ordering crisis facing the law enforcement industry.
The requested appropriations would allow the Department to advance the purchase of the 24/25 Measure N vehicle and replace a 2019 Measure N Vehicle that was totaled during a collision with a drunk driver. The city is working with the insurance carrier for the at-fault drunk driver to recover damages from the collision; however, this process can take a significant amount of time. Once received, the recovered damages will be reimbursed to Measure N.
On September 28, 2023, staff presented the above-listed concerns and information to the Measure N Committee. Upon completion of the presentation and consideration of public comments, the committee voted unanimously to recommend increasing Measure N appropriations as requested above.
Fiscal Impact:
Staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $30,000 to address a budget shortfall to purchase two (2) Measure N marked patrol vehicles currently budgeted; and appropriate $190,000 for the advance purchase of 1 Measure N marked patrol vehicle from FY 24/25 and replace one (1) wrecked patrol vehicle.
Prior Council Action: June 19, 2023: Council approved motion to amend Measure N spending plan. August 21, 2023: Council approved motion to amend Measure N spending plan.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Conduct the first of two public hearings to amend the Measure N Spending Plan to appropriate $190,000 and advance the purchase of one (1) marked patrol vehicle for FY 24/25 and purchase one (1) marked patrol vehicle to replace a Measure N funded Dodge Charger, that was wrecked and totaled by a drunk driver. In addition, staff is requesting to appropriate an additional $30,000 to address the budget shortfall of FY 23/24 vehicle purchases.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: None.