By Jason C. Mattox
A pair of motorcycles used by the Batesville Police Department will be advertised for sale again after bids at the meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen November 7 came in lower than expected.
Police Chief Gerald Legge told city leaders Tuesday afternoon he would like to negotiate with the high bidder, Rebel Cycles.
"I want to speak with them and see if they would allow us to keep the siren and radio that are on the motorcycles," he said. "We would be getting some more out of them that way."
Assistant city attorney Colmon Mitchell said he didn’t believe a negotiation was possible.
"Due to the items being listed in the specifications that were sent out for bids, I really don’t think you can negotiate to keep the equipment," he said.
Ward 1 Alderman Bill Dugger said he was under the impression that the police department’s equipment was not included for bid.
"I don’t understand why we would want to take bids on the motorcycles and the equipment," he said. "That equipment can be used in the cars. Can’t it, chief?"
Legge acknowledged that the radios and sirens could be re-used by the department.
Ward 2 Alderman Rufus Manley suggested rejecting all the bids and keeping the motorcycles.
"I know we were originally selling these to put the money into the budget," he said. "But it seems to me the budget is holding its own right now.
"So, I think we should simply reject the bids, keep the bikes and advertise to sell them if we ever need to," Manley added.
Mayor Jerry Autrey suggested rejecting all the bids and rebid without the siren and radio included.
"Couldn’t we advertise for two different packages?" Legge asked. "That would allow us to market them to other law enforcement agencies as well as private individuals."
Aldermen voted to allow the motorcycles to be re-bid with two separate packages.
Ward 4 Alderman Bobbie Jean Pounders and Ward 3 Alderman James Yelton were absent from the meeting. |