Plymouth Board of Public Works & Safety approves 3 new police vehicles, opens quotes for other departments

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety approved the purchase of three new hybrid patrol vehicles for the police department Monday evening while taking several other vehicle quotes under advisement.

The board awarded a $139,203 contract to Oliver Ford for three Ford Interceptor hybrid all-wheel-drive utility vehicles at $46,401 each. The hybrid models offer significantly better fuel economy than traditional patrol vehicles.

Police Chief Weir said the department’s current hybrid is driven by Officer West, and he likes it. The chief said, "The hybrid gets 22 miles to the gallon while the standard Interceptor gets 12 miles to the gallon."

The board also approved a $28,919 quote from Oliver Ford for a new pickup truck for the Building Commissioner, the lowest bid submitted for that vehicle.

Several other vehicle purchases remain pending as city officials opened quotes Monday evening:

Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson opened four quotes ranging from $60,900 to $109,776 from McCormick Motors in Nappanee, Oliver Ford in Plymouth, Auto Park in Plymouth, and Lochmandy Motors in Nappanee.

Dan Sellers, City Engineer, received quotes from Auto Park and Oliver Ford for a sport utility vehicle. Prices ranged from $30,411 to $31,538.

Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt opened two quotes for a dump truck from Oliver Ford and Auto Park, with prices ranging from $50,465 to $56,192.

The board took all pending quotes under advisement for further review. Recommendations on the remaining vehicle purchases are expected at the next city meeting on Monday, February 24.

The board unanimously approved both the police chief's and building commissioner's vehicle purchase recommendations.