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Chairperson Beahen asked if the squads would not be used for a period of time. Acting Police Chief <br />Gustafson explained if the squad cars are ordered the first of April, they will be received in May. He <br />advised of the order deadline by Ford and explained the City does not want to be caught short. <br />Acting Police Chief Gustafson noted another option is to authorize the purchase and direct him to <br />keep "tabs" on the deadline with Superior Ford to avoid a delay into next year. He explained if the <br />current fleet is maintained, the new squads are not needed immediately. However, the current <br />vehicles already have high mileage. He noted if a squad car were to become inoperable, one of the <br />Administrative fleet cars could be commandeered and used by the Police Department. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Hart explained the set up work such as painting will be done so only existing <br />equipment would need to be transferred. She advised of the minor budget amendment which will be <br />needed to address a shortfall of about $3,500. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired regarding the total number of police officers. Acting Police <br />ChiefGustafson advised that, after hiring one more officer, the City will have a total of 13 which is <br />the same level of staffing as last year. He suggested the Finance Committee also authorize the <br />purchase of a used MDT ($2,500). <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen asked if $2,500 is the only budget amendment required. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Hart advised that a portion is already included but approval of Option One will result <br />in the need for a budget amendment of $3,520 which could be funded through the Council <br />Contingency Fund. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen asked why the Police Budget is not being used to cover the shortfall. <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder explained the Police Fund needs to cover the cost of a six-week <br />medical leave so the remaining balance may not be sufficient to cover this shortfall. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to recommend the <br />City Council approve Option One and direct staff to prepare a budget amendment resolution <br />accordingly from the Council Contingency Fund and place it on the next consent agenda. .~') <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested the Police Budget be depleted prior to <br />using the Council Contingency Fund. City Administrator Schroeder stated this can be done but the <br />past practice has been that indMdual departments not over expend their individual department budget <br />or line items. Therefore, rather than shorting the line item, staffhas preferred the Council affirmatively <br />authorize use of their discretionary funds that are not allocated. Finance Officer Hart stated staffwill <br />research this option and provide a recommendation for Council consideration in the form of a <br />resolution. Acting Police Chief Gustafson explained that inflated budgets have not been submitted. <br />Councilmember Zimmerman pointed out there may be some funds available due to the time gap from <br />when the Police Chief quit and the new one was hired. Councilmember Beyer noted the Council <br />Contingency Fund was established to be used for unexpected expenses such as this. She noted <br />Option One does authorize the purchase of the squads. <br /> <br />Finance Committee/March 25, 1997 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />