The Colusa City Council on Tuesday waived the formal bid process and authorized Police Chief Josh Fitch to order two new police vehicles from Hoblit Motors. Although Hoblit does not hold a state contract for the purchase of public vehicles, Fitch said the local company can nearly match the same price of those purchased by the CHP. The difference is only a nominal sales fee, Fitch said.
Fitch tentatively plans to use his California Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund allotment for the purchase, unless the council determines to use American Rescue Act Funding, which will come back for full allocation at a later meeting.
One of the vehicles will replace a 2015 model unit nearing 100,000 miles.
“With recent uncertainty as to the lead time for new vehicles, it would be prudent to order one, or possibly two vehicles,” Fitch said. “If recent vehicle purchases can be any indicator, it is very likely that it will take six to 12 months to acquire new vehicles and have them outfitted for patrol.
The City Council approved the order for two vehicles to be purchased locally, but not to exceed $50,000 each.
The Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund was established in 1996 for front line law enforcement services, and can be used for police salaries, services, supplies, and equipment. ■