Oronogo Board approves purchase of two new police vehicles

Oronogo is upgrading its fleet of police vehicles with the purchase of two 2024 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles.

Police Chief Steven Weaver’s proposal on how to purchase the vehicles was approved unanimously Monday by the Board of Aldermen.

One of the vehicles will be purchased directly with existing funds. The other will be paid for with a 5% loan from Southwest Missouri Bank.

Both are being purchased from Gary Davidson Superior Auto of northwest Arkansas and will come equipped with police packages.

The one being purchased outright at a total cost of $52,944 includes $42,835 for the vehicle and $10,109 for the additional equipment.

The lease-purchase vehicle costs a total of $50,910 ($41,550 vehicle, $9,360 extra equipment).

Weaver was authorized to trade in the department’s 2014 and 2016 Ford SUVs for $8,500, which will bring down the loan amount.

Also during their regular meeting, board members changed the city code to require that plumbers provide a master plumber certification before obtaining a city license.

The existing code didn’t require any certification. To which Mayor Charles Wilkins said, “It’s my understanding there have been issues” with some plumbing work that has had to be redone.

Tony Cantrell, public works superintendent, reported that the restrooms in the city park behind City Hall will be winterized and closed to the public on Nov. 1. He mentioned that the restrooms are under repeated attack by vandals.

He also reported that the storm drain and sidewalk project on Central Street has been completed and that the portion of First Street that was damaged during the EPA cleanup has been repaired – with EPA reimbursement.

Cantrell brought up the question of how late after business hours should his department respond to calls for reconnection of utility services. Wilkins said he will study the situation and come back to the board with a policy recommendation.