Police to get two new vehicles

After a lengthy debate, Columbia Borough Council approved the purchase of two new vehicles for the police department.


In a debate that first surfaced back in March, council approved its original motion two purchase two 2010 Expeditions for the department. The purchases were originally on the agenda back in March, but were sent back through the committee process when late information was received on the need and use of the two SUVs in the borough,

The discussion on the purchase of the two vehicles was started by Councilmen Mike Beury, who explained his feelings about the four-month old debate. In March, the council was trying to tie the purchase of the new police vehicles in with the purchase of a ruck for the highway department.

That vehicle was purchased, which had the vehicles been purchased in March, would have resulted in a $6,000 savings for the borough.

“Then the mayor comes in and threatens council, saying if they got two Expeditions, they would not use them,” Beury said, adding he didn’t purchase then and won’t now.

Kelly Murphy, chairman of council’s finance committee said he went to see the three vehicles the borough was considering for purchase – an Expedition, a Charger and a Crown Victoria.

“The department is in need of two vehicles, but, the Charger is not a pursuit vehicle,” Murphy said.

Another council member, Mary Barninger, also investigated the three vehicles, by talking with two departments in other areas. Barninger said the borough was told the Crown Vics were very high maintenance.

“We were told they are not suited because of the high maintenance. Bit it was just with the brakes and you’ll get that with any vehicle. There was no true epidemic other than the brakes,” she said.

She said that departments who purchased the chargers are regretting the purchases because they were too small and had a limited use. “Going with the charger is not a wise decision,” she said.

Mayor Leo Lutz explained how the borough goes about purchasing police cars on a two-year cycle.

“The number one job of a municipality is to provide safety and having the ability to get around. We need vehicles that are going to hold up,” Lutz said.

“The four-wheel vehicles are difficult to get around,” the mayor said.

It was Norm Meiskey, borough manager, who made the big push for the SUVs.

“I’ve been involved with the purchase of police vehicles since 1985 and you need to have the ability to get around 24/7. The SUVs are more safer than rear wheel or front wheel drive vehicles,” Meiskey said,

“With the smaller cars and the condition of the streets and gutters, they will be bouncing off the undercarriages. I’m just throwing my two cents,” Meiskey said.

Added Murphy, “we need to have the capabilities of four-wheel drive (currently the department has two Tahoes). I don’t see why we can’t stay with that.”

The vote to purchase an Expedition and a Charger failed by a 7-0 vote.

A second motion to purchase an Expedition and Crown Vic failed because of the lack of a second.

The third motion to purchase two Expeditions passed by a 6-1 motion with Barninger voted against the purchase.

Following the discussion, former council member Frank Doutrich responded to the vote by saying, “who cares what they (police) drive. If they don’t like it, tell them there’s West Hempfield.”