Police Chief Requests New Car, Village Board Approves Despite Some Reservations

Having determined that the cost of continuing to service a 2004 Chevy Impala would cost more than replacing the vehicle, Police Chief Michael Holub requested trustees approve the purchase of a new 2011 Chevy Impala Police Pursuit vehicle at the May 9 meeting of the village board.

Holub argued that with engine repairs which would cost the village $3,500 and the with the mileage on the vehicle reaching 75,000 miles, it would not be cost effective to continue to keep the vehicle as a part of the department’s fleet.

The vehicle is currently primarily used by Chief Holub in his day-to-day duties and also as an unmarked unit when required by investigators and the patrol division.

Trustee Michael Horvath questioned why the village would want to replace one Chevy Impala police vehicle for another if it was already retired after only seven years and 75,000 miles.

“Why do we buy another one if we’re going to be here again in seven years?” Horvath questioned.

Holub said that based on the vehicles that would be available under the Illinois Municipal Joint Purchasing program for police cars, the Chevy Impala was the best option because of its higher fuel economy, since Holub said he primarily uses it on longer trips.

Horvath continued to press, asking what type of cost analysis was done to come to the conclusion, asking if insurance costs, fuel economy and repair histories were factored into the decision to go with an Impala again.

“We are a lean staff and we are a lean fleet. If we lose vehicles we don’t want to have to patrol in an ambulance,” Holub said. He added that the state’s purchasing program does that analysis, and given the other options, the Impala was the best one for the job.

Trustees approved the request, with the exception of Horvath and Trustee Jim Palermo who voted against the request.