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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Clanton City Council approved the purchase of four vehicles for the Clanton Police Department during a meeting on April 27.

The meeting was held in the usual meeting room at City Hall with precautions taken to encourage social distancing.

The City Council approved purchasing four Ford Explorers with four-wheel drive off of the state bid list.

Clanton Police Chief Keith Maddox said the state bid price for the vehicle was $30,345 each, and there would be a three-to-four-month wait. Another option, Chevy Tahoes, was presented as being available and in stock right away. However, of the two vehicle options presented, the Fords were determined to be the lowest and best price, because the Tahoes that were closer in price were only two-wheel drive and more expensive. The department has used both vehicles in the past. Maddox said the new vehicles would allow the department to get rid of some older ones. The older vehicles would be declared surplus and sold at an auction, Maddox said.

The chief said the department always “rotates some out” when new vehicles are purchased.

Councilman Bobby Cook asked about the officers working on Highway 31 as a part of the utility project there.

Maddox explained that these were off-duty officers being paid by the company doing the project.

He said the company does not pay for fuel for the vehicles to run with its lights on for the whole shift, however, having a police car there does deter speeding in the area.

“It gives us a little more visibility, and they are paying them and we’re not,” Maddox said. “It seemed like a win-win.”

Also during the meeting, the City Council approved:

• $31,250 for the Chilton-Clanton Public Library as its usual contribution.
• $35,025 to purchase a Tahoe for the Clanton Fire Department.
• $29,889 for a sprinkler system for the former Fred’s building in the city-owned Park Plaza. The city will also be putting out bids for a drop ceiling for the building. The city is in talks with Dollar General about leasing the building.