The City of Powell went car shopping last month, and found some better-than-expected prices.

The city purchased five new vehicles — four new SUVs and a truck — for just over $204,385. That’s $35,600 less than budgeted.

The Powell Police Department is receiving three of the SUVs, including a pair of 2025 Ford Interceptors that will serve as patrol vehicles. Fremont Motor Powell sold them for $50,250 apiece. The Fords, which will replace some older vehicles, are expected to arrive within six months.

The SUVs are pricier than the sedans the department has historically used, but “there’s really no [police] sedans available anymore. There is SUVs,” City Administrator Zack Thorington told the council at its Sept. 3 meeting.

The PD is also receiving a 2025 Jeep Compass from Fremont Motor Powell for $28,205.50. It will serve as a new travel vehicle, such as for trips to trainings at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas.

The “classic” vehicle the Compass is replacing had become unreliable, Police Chief Jim Rhea indicated in an interview, saying that, “we had people that were stranded.” Rhea expressed excitement about getting a replacement under budget and from a local dealer.

The city’s also buying a second Compass at the same price for the building official, who will use the vehicle for inspections. (It replaces a 2009 Dodge Durango.)

During the bidding process, the city received a couple cheaper options than the Compasses, but a Chevy Blazer had an underpowered engine and other Jeeps might not have arrived until next summer, Thorington said. The Compasses met specs, were already on Fremont’s lot in Powell and still were well under budget, which contemplated spending $37,500 apiece.

Finally, the water department is getting a 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500HD pickup for $47,474 from Fremont Chevrolet Buick GMC of Riverton. It should arrive in three to four months. 

The two Fremont dealerships were the only businesses to submit bids for the five vehicles.