The first purchase was for two 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor program cars that have been used as demo vehicles.
"We have an opportunity to purchase these vehicles now at a savings of $13,500," said City Manager Donald Anderson.
Anderson said the vehicles already are fully equipped and are painted with Cornelia Police Department's paint scheme.
Total cost for the vehicles is $54,250.
Anderson said Cain Ford priced the same vehicles with the same equipment, and their cost was $67,754.
"I know the funding is in next year's budget, but this is an opportunity that I feel we do not need to pass by," Anderson said.
Anderson said since the money will not be available until January, Jacky Jones Ford agreed to hold the vehicles on a city purchase order.
Similarly, the commission voted to purchase a used 2011 Ford Escape XLT from Cain Ford in Cornelia for use by the public utilities director.
The vehicle, which has about 41,500 miles, will replace a 1990s model Dodge Caravan that is beginning to have maintenance and dependability issues. Funds for the $15,000 purchase are included in the city's 2014 budget.
Cain Ford will hold that vehicle until January on a city purchase order.
Also during Tuesday night's meeting, the commission approved the purchase of a four-ton asphalt recycler and hot box trailer to make timely repairs to streets.
"We have spent several hundred thousand dollars in the last five years making street repairs, mainly from water leaks," Anderson said. "I have spoken with our supervisors and they feel that with the proper equipment we can begin making these repairs ourselves," Anderson said.
The commission approved spending up to $26,971 for the equipment. Money for that purchase will come from the capital expense line item under the street department. There is money left in the 2013 budget due to a couple of projects the city was unable to complete during the year.
Ward 3 Commissioner Don Bagwell said the street repair equipment is needed to make timely repairs for those who drive on city streets.
Previously, the city had to wait until it had a significant amount of patching or paving work was needed before bringing in a contractor to perform the work.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/12/268488