Administration - Brian Podany, Safety Services Director/Chief of Police
Title
Title
Approve the 2023 Capital Budget Purchase and Funding of a Police Armored Rescue Vehicle
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Executive Summary
The police department is seeking approval to purchase a Police Armored Rescue Vehicle as part of the 2023 General Capital Equipment Budget. The department is seeking early approval due to the extended lead time for delivery of the vehicle, which is a minimum of 12 months. The purchase will be funded using both general fund unrestricted reserves and police forfeiture funds, where payment is remitted upon receipt of the vehicle, which will likely be 2023.
Background
Police department staff presented the need for an Armored Police Rescue Vehicle to council at the October 3 workshop. This was also presented as part of the 2023 Capital Equipment Requests at the October 8 fall retreat.
Council and staff discussed the need and potential uses of this rescue. After the discussion there was general council support with the understanding that police staff would work with City of Blaine Finance Team to determine the best funding sources for this request.
At the October 3, 2022 workshop council requested police department staff work with finance to provide the best balance of funding sources for this purchase which includes general fund unrestricted reserves via the capital equipment fund and police forfeiture funds. The original presentation to council included a vehicle purchase price of $251,000.
After the October 3 workshop staff learned that the price of the vehicle has increased to $261,000. The department also learned of a safety option which adds several bullet proof windows on the top cupola enhancing operator safety for an additional $8,000. Staff believes the additional enhancements are a necessity to mitigate risk, increase safety, and get the best long-term return on investment of this vehicle.
Armored Rescue Vehicle with Safety Enhancements Total Cost: $269,000
Breakdown includes:
o Base vehicle cost $261,000
§ Price presented October 3 $251,000
§ Cost increases as of 10/10 $10,000
o Bullet proof windows to protective cupola $8,000
Possible funding sources available:
• Currently there is a 2023 General Capital request in the budget for this vehicle in the amount of $180,000.
• The police department has several different forfeiture accounts with available funds. Total Forfeiture amount available $382,000
o These forfeiture accounts have been used in the past to purchase equipment such as Axon Taser Equipment ($98,000), CPR Chest Pumps ($15,000), School Resource Officer Tactical supplies ($15,000), Radar Collection/Feedback signs ($15,000) etc.
o The forfeiture accounts are experiencing a fall-off of forfeiture receipts (due to changes in forfeiture law). After discussion with the finance department, it is prudent to maintain a reserve of at least $200,000 as these forfeiture funds have proven to be a valuable resource when unanticipated expenses arise.
o Current Forfeiture fund balances
§ Federal $16,000 (restricted use-not available)
§ DUI $104,000
§ State $182,000
§ Anoka Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force (i.e. AHNVCTF/DTF) ($96,000). The AHNVCTF holds this fund for us and we do not currently have the money in city possession.
Strategic Plan Relationship
This resolution directly relates to the City of Blaine Strategic Plan Item No. 4 - Organizational Health.
Board/Commission Review
None.
Financial Impact
Police staff and Finance recommend the following funding sources:
• Reduce the 2023 General Capital request from $180,000 to $105,000
• Use Police Forfeiture Funds to fund the remaining amount of the purchase $164,000
Public Outreach/Input
None
Staff Recommendation
By motion, approve the purchase of the Police Armored Rescue Vehicle in the 2023 General Capital Budget in the amount of $269,000. Staff will purchase the vehicle through Lenco Armored Vehicles. Lenco participates in the Federal Government Services Administration Purchasing Program (GSA), which has worked to ensure the best pricing on this purchase. Although not on the State, the GSA is a similar program in the Federal Government versus State Government.
Attachment List