Soap Lake police receive more funding

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved funding to purchase a patrol vehicle and to pay a salary for a reserve officer during a Wednesday night council meeting.

One of the four police department patrol vehicles broke down, Police Chief Jim Dorris said. The department is trading the vehicles among officers between shifts to get by while waiting for a functional vehicle.

He requested funding from council to purchase a replacement engine costing approximately $4,800. He said an auto technician evaluated the rest of the vehicle and said it was running well.

The technician estimated the vehicle would last another four to five years with the replacement.

Councilmember Marina Romary asked why the department does not purchase a new vehicle because the cost is similar.

Soap Lake purchases used patrol vehicles from Portland, Ore.

Dorris explained it would cost more than repairing the current vehicle. The vehicle would have to be re-armored and all the equipment would need to be reinstalled. There is a chance the car could malfunction after purchasing it because they are not familiar with the vehicle's history.

Councilmember Marina Romary voted against the purchase because she wanted to know how much it would cost to purchase a used vehicle and reinstall the equipment.

Dorris said he would provide an estimate promptly.

Council approved $3,000 to pay a reserve officer to allow a current officer to conduct a training program within the department.

The officer will conduct a five week training program to help officers learn department policies and goals.

The training will ensure the department is hiring desirable officers, Dorris said.

Councilmember JoAnn Rushton was absent from the meeting because she was tending to an ill family member. Councilmember John Hillman was absent because he was on a business trip. Each were excused unanimously.