Politics & Government

Police Now Can Charge to Impound Vehicles

A $250 administrative fee will be charged to individuals who commit drug crimes and for DUI repeat offenders. Lake Zurich Police also will spend more than $77,000 on the purchase of three new vehicles for the department.

The recently approved two resolutions relating to revenues and expenditures within the . 

The first resolution approved at the board's Jan. 16 meeting was for a $77,405 expenditure that will cover the purchase of two sedans and one sport utility vehicle that will replace a late model and two high-mileage vehicles.

The second resolution allows police to charge a $250 administrative fee for impounding vehicles used in the commission of certain crimes. 

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“There are two areas that would allow the department to seize vehicles: if a car was used during a drug asset seizure or used in a drug crime; and for DUI repeat offenders and those driving with a revoked license resulting from a previous DUI,” said Police Chief Patrick Finlon.

The new fee helps to cover the extra costs involved in the processing, investigation, arrest and detention of offenders. Expenses for impoundment, storage and release of the vehicle are included in the $250 fee.

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The village was required to approve the new ordinance to fall in line with a recent change in state law regarding vehicle impoundment.

New Police Vehicles

The board also approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the police department. 

They include two new 2013 Ford Police Interceptor sedans that are based on the Ford Taurus model. The previously used Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors are no longer in production.

The sedans will cost a total of $51,123 and will replace a 2006 and a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria that have adjusted total mileages of 337,000 and 316,000, respectively. 

The adjusted mileage figure is based on actual mileage plus the amount of miles figured for each hour the vehicle idles, which is 33 miles per hour, Finlon said.

The 2013 SUV will be purchased at a cost of $26,282 and is based on the Ford Explorer model. It will replace a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer with 89,000 miles.

According to a memo from Steve Paulus, superintendent of fleet services, the police budget has the funds to cover the purchases.

The three vehicles being replaced will be disposed of through an auction.


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