The Kittanning Police Department is getting a new patrol car to replace one in need of major repairs.
Council approved the purchase Monday after police Chief Bruce Mathews told them that one of the three squad cars, a 2007 Crown Victoria, has racked up 113,000 miles and needs transmission and suspension repairs estimated at $3,600.
“We're so close to the service life of that vehicle, we're on borrowed time,” Mathews said.
Council voted 8-0 in favor of buying a 2015 Ford Taurus Interceptor at a cost of up to $33,000. That price includes the installation of police equipment.
The cost of the new car is 10 percent more than the budgeted amount of $30,000, said Council President Randy Cloak. But, he added, it's essential for the department to have the necessary equipment.
“We're proud of the fact that Kittanning has a 24-hour police department,” he said.
The department owns another 2007 Crown Victoria with 91,000 miles. The third car is a 2013 Ford Taurus Interceptor with 47,000 miles.
Mathews said he hopes to have the new car patrolling the streets in a few weeks.
“I'm going down in the morning (Tuesday) to order it,” he said.
Brigid Beatty is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-543-1303 or bbeatty@tribweb.com.
