A Ford Motor Co. computer-generated image shows a Ford Explorer Interceptor police vehicle.

IRON MOUNTAIN — After surveying the police vehicle market, Iron Mountain officials have decided to buy two Ford Explorer Interceptors at a cost of about $47,000 each.

The 2026 all-wheel-drive models will come from Gorno Ford in downstate Woodhaven, a pre-qualified vendor under the state’s MiDEAL purchasing program. The quoted price is $48,395 if delivered to Iron Mountain, but the city will likely arrange to pick up the vehicles.

City Manager Jordan Stanchina said the city’s most recent police car purchase was in 2023. The process has become more challenging due to limited inventory and shorter ordering windows, he said.

Jeff Solka, director of police and fire services, said the department has one reliable squad car, plus another with more than 126,000 miles.

The city had initially planned vehicle purchases both this year and in 2027, but the city council agreed Monday with Stanchina’s recommendation to buy two now, as the 2027 window won’t open until late fall.

The Interceptors from Gorno should be available in May, Solka said.

In 2023, the city bought two Dodge Charger Pursuits, which is when production of Dodge police sedans ended. Stanchina noted that the price for those vehicles was about $35,500.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant covered about 35% of the cost of one of the Chargers, including equipment and detailing. Funding for the USDA grants — which had been available for at least the past 25 years — has been discontinued, Stanchina said.

Gorno and three other MiDEAL vendors were contacted for quotes, along with Dorsch Ford in Green Bay, Wis., Solka said. Dorsch’s inventory has since been sold out and its comparative price was $48,615.

Along with the base cost, the city may see an expense of about $10,000 or more per vehicle for the purchase and installation of equipment and decals.

In other action Monday, the city council —

–Despite staff having no objections, rejected a request from Richard and Carla Perea of 809 W. Hughitt St. to vacate an alley west of their home. They own the lots on both sides, Stanchina noted. A neighbor raised a written objection and the vacation request failed after a public hearing in a 3-3 vote, with council member Kyle Blomquist absent. Mayor Dale Alessandrini and council members David Farragh and Cathy Tomassoni voted to approve, while council members Pam Maule, Ken Clawson and Mark Wickman voted no. A motion by Alessandrini to table the request failed by the same 3-3 vote.

— Established dates for spring rubbish drop-offs in front of the public works building at 125 N. Stephenson Ave. Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

— Received two-year audit proposals from four firms that were referred to staff for a recommendation. All of the bids are in the same range, with the apparent lowest offer from Maner Costerisan of Lansing at $30,500 for the first year and $31,500 for the second. The price includes a likely required “single audit” of federal funds spent by the city.

— Authorized the purchase of a Virnig VAB60V hydraulic angle sidewalk broom from McCoy Equipment in Escanaba at the quoted price of $8,495. The cost includes delivery to public works by mid-April.

— Approved a contribution of $2,000 to the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools summer recreation program for area youth.

— Gave approval to Borderhounds LEMC to organize an Independence Day parade that will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. The route will be the same as in previous years, running from Woodward to Carpenter avenues to H Street to the Midtown Mall entrance.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.