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Earle bites the bullet on new motor for PD car

Council votes to by engine for idled cruiser

news@theeveningtimes.com

After months of debate and getting cost estimates, Earle has decided to buy a new motor for its 2014 Dodge Charger police car which it has been unable to use due to a blown engine rod.

The council heard estimates for two used motors but decided to buy a new one for $7,470 from a Jonesboro car dealership because it would come installed and have a better warranty.

“We’ve got to get it fixed,” said Councilman Donnie Cheers, who made the motion.

Street Department supervisor Nemi Matthews had previously gotten estimates for new motors for $7,470 from Fletcher Dodge and $8,543 from Steve Jones Dodge in Wynne, but was asked by the city council to get estimates for a used motor and report back to them.

Matthews found two used motors which would be compatible with the vehicle, one for $3,950 with 36,000 miles on it located in Bristol, Tenn. that would come with a 90 day warranty, and one for $3,725 with 23,000 miles on it through F& J Hardware in Parkin with a six month warranty.

The vehicle blew an engine rod because the oil was low and hadn’t been properly maintained. The car was bought using federal Justice Assistance Grant money and only had 34,800 miles on it. The city is responsible for keeping it on the road.

Officials in the cashstrapped city originally opted to have the car fixed locally and paid $1,100 to put in a used 2004 motor which proved to not be compatible with the vehicle. Because the car is a police interceptor it will only run with a 2012 or newer model engine.

Matthews said while both motors are compatible with the vehicle, the city would be responsible for paying shipping and to install it, which could add another $150 to $200 to ship it and another $2,000 for labor to the cost.

“We’ll still have to find someone to install it,” Matthews said. “You’re going to have to pull the engine out that is in there, and that will be an extra cost.”

Matthews said it would cost about the same to buy a new engine and would have a better warranty.

“If I had a say so, I would put a new engine in because they are going to install it and they are going to back it and the whole nine yards,” Matthews said. “If it goes down, they will be responsible for it.”

Mayor Carolyn Jones reminded the council that they need to make a decision because they have been discussing it since May.

“I’ve been asking you what you want to do because I can’t vote,” Jones said. “All we’ve been talking about is a used motor.”

Councilman Bobby Luckett said he favored buying a new motor because shipping and installation on a used one would cost the city close to the cost for a new one.

“So in other words, it’s going to add back up to the $7,000 range for a new one,” Luckett said.

Councilman Robert Malone

agreed.

“The cheapest always sounds good,” Malone said. “But I don’t think that’s a good way to go.”

Matthews said he would call the dealership to see if they can still get the motor for the price they quoted.

“Its been 30 days so I will have to go back and see if they will honor that price,” Matthews said.

By Mark Randall