Sidney Police Dept to purchase two police trucks

SIDNEY, Neb. -- The Sidney City Council approved two Ram trucks for the police department.

Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Police Chief Joe Aikens spoke to the Sidney City Council about replacing two police cruisers. 

Aikens said they have a 2012 Tahoe and a 2013 Charger that each have around 160,000 miles on them.

Aikens presented several different buying options for the council. One of the options was purchasing one Dodge Ram 1500 Crew-Cab Police Package for $42,257 or two trucks for $82,514. 

The police equipment reserve fund budgets for a new vehicle yearly. Police currently have $128,244 in the equipment reserve fund and are budgeted to put in another $45,000 in the upcoming fiscal year.

City Manager David Scott said during the COVID-year, supply was low for police equipment and vehicles.

“Normally we try to get one every year, but because of the unavailability we got backed up,” Scott said.

“If I could get Tahoe's I would, but there are none available right now,” Aikens said. “The Ford Explorers are kind of small for some of the guys, after you get all the equipment in them.”

The council made a motion to purchase the police department both Dodge Ram trucks for $82,514, and the motion was approved.

In other council business, the Park Project Committee was also asked to attend the meeting to be officially appreciated by the city council for their efforts in getting Sidney a new park.

City Mayor Roger Gallaway said the city of Sidney recognizes the Park Project Committee members who spent countless hours fundraising and seeking private donations to fund the Park Project.

“The park serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished through the dedication, commitment, and volunteerism of many,” Gallaway said.