Oct 6, 2022
WEIRTON — The City of Weirton is taking another step toward the implementation of a take-home program for the Weirton Police Department.
The city’s Finance Committee, meeting Wednesday, recommended a series of resolutions for the purchase of 15 vehicles to add to the department’s fleet, with funds coming from the American Rescue Plan.
Council, during its next regular meeting, will be asked to consider a resolution allocating up to $950,000 in ARP funds “for the purpose of purchasing vehicles for the Weirton Police Department.”
The allocation will include, through additional resolutions, up to $596,743.20 to purchase 15 all-wheel drive 2022 Ford Explorer SUVs.
City Manager Mike Adams noted the dealership being used for the purchase was able to obtain enough 2022 models to fulfill the order, and agreed to hold them until council gives its approval, with them being available within the next month.
He added, the 2023 models of the vehicle, would have been an additional $8,000 per vehicle, and probably not available until next spring or summer.
“These things are hard to find,” Adams said of the vehicles.
Additional ARP funds have been recommended for the upfitting of the vehicles, as well as the purchase and installation of new in-car radios and in-car camera systems.
An amount not to exceed $218,075.85 was recommended for the upfitting, with up to $23,636.25 for 15 Kenwood NX5700 in-car radios and up to $85,162 for 11 Coban in-car camera systems.
Adams told members of the Finance Committee a policy for the vehicles’ use as part of a proposed take-home program has been drafted, though Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh, chair of the committee, said the policy can be discussed by the full council Tuesday.
“We’re only going to deal with the numbers here,” Marsh said.
Referencing the purchase of the new radios, Marsh briefly raised the question as to whether they will need to be replaced once Hancock County’s new digital communication system goes online.
Both Police Chief Charlie Kush and Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick explained it already had been addressed through previous radio purchases.
“They’re installed and everything now,” Himmelrick said.
Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich confirmed those purchases had been made using COVID relief funds during the tenure of a previous city manager.
Kush added he has been told the new digital system should be ready in the near future.
“They say it’s going to be very very soon,” he said. “We keep asking.”
Weirton Council will consider all of the recommended purchases at its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building.
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
WEIRTON – The Weirton Area Water Board has issued a boil notice for all customers on Dickson Street and Pike Street …
Hancock school board to meet NEW CUMBERLAND – The Hancock County Board of Education will meet in regular …
CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice is a vocal opponent of Amendment 2 that would let lawmakers reduce or eliminate six …
CHESTER — Problem properties have been a longstanding issue within Chester. It is only within the past year that …
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox
Copyright © Weirton Daily Times | https://www.weirtondailytimes.com | 114 Lee Ave., Weirton, WV 26062 | 304-748-0606