PETERSHAM — The Selectboard approved $3,123 from the town’s reserve fund, designated for unexpected or emergency needs not included in the operating budget, for the repair of the police department’s oldest cruiser.
Police Chief Dana Cooley said the cruiser is in need of a new transmission and has been off the road about two weeks — leaving the department with two cruisers in use instead of three.
“We absolutely need (the vehicle) — we’ve got to fix it,” he said.
This is the first repair the vehicle has needed in the past eight years of its operation, said Cooley.
“Every time something like this happens, your cruiser is off the road. It is not available for use if the police need multiple vehicles to respond,” said Selectboard Chairwoman Nancy Allen.
The Selectboard met with Cooley and the Advisory Finance Committee to review the two proposed options from the police department regarding the repairs to the cruiser Monday afternoon. The first proposal included the purchase of a $1,162 used transmission without a warranty, while the second proposal included a cost of $3,123 for a refurbished transmission with a 18-month warranty.
Allen said the board approved the more expensive option in the hopes of receiving another year of use out of the 2010 police cruiser following the repairs.
“We prefer (the vehicle) gets its years’ worth of use. We want the vehicle back on the road and in safe condition for the officers,” said Allen.
During the meeting the Advisory Finance Committee did not meet the necessary quorum, the minimum number of voting members to represent the group, but plans to vote on the issue next week. Regardless, Allen said the chief has the approval to proceed with the purchase of the repairs.
Cooley said he has been in contact with a garage regarding the purchase of the refurbished transmission and hopes the vehicle will be back on the road as soon as possible. Looking ahead to the next Fiscal Year, he said the department plants to request funding for a new cruiser to replace the repaired one.