Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Twelve Patrol Vehicles Through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Purchase Program and Obligating Funds for Such Purchase
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the purchase of twelve patrol vehicles through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) purchase program and obligating funds for such purchase.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing the purchase of twelve patrol vehicles through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) purchase program and obligating funds for such purchase
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Police Chief
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Police Department plans to add several officer and administrative positions in 2025; however, it first must expand its infrastructure to adequately support additional staff. As such, 12 patrol vehicles and associated equipment will need to be added to the fleet.
The contract price to purchase the twelve patrol cars is $725,638.27. That purchase contract is the subject of this resolution. This total estimated cost for the twelve patrol vehicles includes the purchase contract and “upfitting” the vehicles with emergency equipment. Use of the DES purchase program will allow the City to obtain the vehicles at a competitive rate through a vendor contract with the state.
Funding is being provided by the Public Safety Tax Levy, which was approved by voters in 2023. Revenue from the levy is expected to generate $1,500,000 for the remainder of 2024. The City Council, on a previous action, dedicated a one-time expense of $285,000 from this to help fund the downtown guide program, graffiti abatement and lighting. In addition, $30,000 from this was used to fund a jail alternative program (home monitoring, etc.) for low-income persons who are navigating the justice system.
Purchase of the twelve vehicles and equipment will enable additional officers to respond to emergencies and incidents in the community, ensuring more timely intervention. Increased police visibility will also deter criminal activity.
Climate Analysis:
The impacts of purchasing twelve patrol vehicles have been assessed through the lens of the Climate Framework’s transportation and land use mitigation sector. Electric vehicles were considered; however, that option was evaluated and determined not to be feasible at this time.
The majority of the City’s patrol vehicles are shared by officers amongst the different shifts. These vehicles are in use approximately 20 hours per day. Dedicating time to charge the vehicles would be a challenge. In addition, the infrastructure to support the charging stations has yet to be developed, and the operational functionality of electric police vehicles is still being tested.
Equity Analysis:
The impacts of this purchase have been applied through the equity lens of the City’s Equity Framework. These patrol vehicles will help the Olympia Police Department achieve its mission to respond rapidly to mitigate emergencies for all community members. The groups impacted by this purchase include community members, police department employees, and the City’s mutual aid partners. Investing in safe, reliable, high-performing equipment is required to care for people. This purchase will help accomplish this vital work.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public Safety. The purchase of patrol vehicles and associated equipment supports the universal protection of life and property for all community members.
Financial Impact:
The total estimated cost for the twelve patrol vehicles and associated equipment through the state contract is quoted at $725,638.27. Funding is being provided by the Public Safety Tax Levy, which was approved by voters in 2023.
The 2024 revenue from the Levy will provide the budget capacity to purchase these vehicles as well as fund other programs previously approved by council.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing the purchase of twelve patrol vehicles through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Purchase Program
2. Do not approve the Resolution authorizing the purchase of twelve patrol vehicles through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Purchase Program.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement