MURFREESBORO – After discussing the issue at a work session earlier this month, the Murfreesboro Town Council approved the purchase of a replacement police vehicle during their regular meeting here on Mar. 27.

“We’re trying to replace the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe that we lost from a vehicle accident,” Police Chief David Griffith explained.

After looking into different options, Griffith came to the conclusion that a 2019 Dodge Ram pickup would be the most beneficial to the department, and it would come with a price tag of $6,762.65 for the town. The insurance payment from the wrecked vehicle will cover the rest of the cost for the replacement.

Fords and Chevrolets, he said, were much more expensive, and an older model car was not available from the car dealer they work with. Griffith also noted the price for the Dodge Ram would rise significantly after Apr. 30 when it goes off the state contract price.

“So it’s my hope we’ll go ahead and purchase it now,” Griffith stated.

Mayor Hal Thomas asked if this meant the police department would not need another new vehicle soon.

Griffith explained he had already intended to ask for money for another police vehicle when the new fiscal year begins in July because some other department vehicles were in rough shape.

“My spare is a 2006 Crown Vic that I don’t know how it’s still running,” he said, emphasizing its unreliability.

Town Attorney Buddy Jones mentioned the town could look into grant funding to purchase a new vehicle during the upcoming fiscal year.

With that settled, the discussion returned to the necessary replacement vehicle. Thomas asked if the police budget had the money available to purchase the 2019 Dodge Ram.

Looking at his available funding through the end of the fiscal year, Griffith answered yes. The funding would come from the part-time officer account.

Council member Sarah Wallace motioned to approve the vehicle purchase, and Council member Berna Stephens seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor.