Supply chain issues and inflation are affecting the City of Minot’s ability to purchase everything from office copiers to police vehicles.
The Minot City Council on Monday approved purchasing seven police vehicles from a Minnesota dealership due to the inability of local dealers to obtain vehicles because of the industry’s shutdown in production caused by shortage of materials.
The Fergus Falls dealer had obtained a shipment of 2022 vehicles, enabling the Minot Police Department to put its claim on seven 2022 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles. The dealer is honoring the North Dakota state contract price for a total cost of $254,769.
The police department also expects a wait of two to three months to receive a copy machine/printer that will replace a machine having mechanical issues. The council approved amending the budget to allow that purchase.
The council approved a budget amendment to enable the Public Works Department to replace two skid steers on its annual replacement schedule. The amendment was necessary because even though the estimated purchase cost was increased in the 2022 budget, it wasn’t increased enough, resulting in a shortfall of $1,732.
