Tonight . . .
Columbia Borough Police Chief Jack Brommer informed council Monday night that two of the department’s police vehicles need to be replaced. Brommer said Unit 4 (a 2011 model) needs to be replaced due to ongoing maintenance and other issues. According to Brommer, the vehicle has $3,000 in body damage due to a minor accident and has incurred an additional $1,400 in repairs in the past year or so. Councillor Sherry Welsh questioned the need to replace the vehicle, since the mileage is only 53,000. Brommer said the vehicle appears older than it is and offered to show it to her. Acting Borough Manager/Public Works Director Ron Miller stated that the average life expectancy for police vehicles is five years. Unit 4 replacement is scheduled for next year’s budget.
Brommer said another police vehicle is a total loss – a 2014 Ford Interceptor (Unit 6) recently involved in a head-on collision at North Fifth and Walnut. He added that he found a possible replacement vehicle on the lot at New Holland Ford for about $25,000. He said the lights, etc. can be transferred from the wrecked vehicle, since it appears they were not damaged. An outfitter will check all equipment to be transferred, and non-functioning items and installation of any replacement items will be paid for through insurance. Brommer wants Unit 6 replaced this year.
