The Billings Police Department wishes to purchase replacement vehicles for two (2) wrecked patrol cars. Both vehicles were totaled, one being our Officer's fault and the other an uninsured motorist.  Our officer has been disciplined and the Department has requested restitution through the Courts from the uninsured driver.  Disposition is pending.

The State of Montana conducts an annual competitive bidding process for law enforcement vehicles.  Local government agencies are allowed to use the same vendor that the State chooses.  Bison Ford Motor Company, Great Falls, Montana, was selected as the vendor to provide the State of Montana with Ford Sedan Police Interceptors in 2016.  Local car dealers usually will not submit bids if requested because they cannot compete on price due to the volume purchased through the State contract.  Therefore, staff is requesting that the City Council approve purchasing 2 patrol vehicles from Bison Ford Motor Company of Great Falls for the price of $27,561.18 each, or a total cost of $55,122.36.
 

The City Council may:

• Approve purchasing the 2 patrol vehicles from Bison Ford, or
• Not approve purchasing the 2 patrol vehicles.  Other patrol vehicles will be used on more shifts, thereby increasing their mileage, maintenance costs and earlier than planned replacement. 

The 2 replacement patrol vehicles will be purchased with funds from the City's Property and Liability fund.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve purchasing 2 patrol vehicles from Bison Ford Motor Company of Great Falls for the price of $27,561.18 each, or a total cost of $55,122.36.