The Daily News

The Breckenridge City Council chose to postpone the purchase of a 2010 Ford Expedition police vehicle Monday after agreeing to further discuss the issue at a police committee.

Alderman Jeff Krueger said he felt the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle year-round was unnecessary, especially with high fuel costs.

"I will say that the county is 24-7 and they have one four-wheel drive for the whole county," he said. "They have just as much response time as the city, and a lot more area to cover with one [vehicle]."

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Natalie Butenhoff, detective sergeant and interim chief of police, said they need a reliable emergency vehicle at all times during the winter. Although the streets get plowed in early morning hours, law enforcement is often driving outside earlier, she said.

"We need to get around," she said.

Other reasons for the choice include the lack of appropriate equipment in the current vehicle and cost savings. The $26,271 state bid for the vehicle was the best compared to local dealers, who couldn't touch it within a $10,000 range, she said. Another $3,000-$4,000 in equipment costs would also be required.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to take it at this point," she said. "If there is a time where we are gonna get one, we're probably not going to get it for this kind of deal."

The council decided to hold a police committee meeting Wednesday to further discuss the issue. The city finance committee briefly touched on the subject on Thursday.

In other business:

• The council approved a $192,693 bid for a transmission line replacement at Wilkin Avenue. Aevenia, a Moorhead, Minn.-based energy and electrical constructor, won the bid. Jeff Muehler, public works director, said the project will be primarily funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to flood damage on the line last spring.

• The council approved a $19,900 quote from Grand Forks Fire Equipment for a Jaws of Life for the Breckenridge Fire Department.

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