The Renton Police Department is set to add 18 vehicles to its fleet in a purchase of more than a million dollars.

At the March 17 Renton City Council meeting, the council approved the authorization to purchase 18 vehicles for the police department at a total cost of $1,136,266.15. The vehicles will replace 14 of the the department’s current 185 vehicles, while the other four vehicles are for new approved positions in the police department.

“As vehicles age and maintenance costs rise, replacements are more cost effective,” Renton Public Works Fleet Manager Ronald Kahler said.

Kahler said it is important to replace older vehicles “for safety and reliability.” The vehicles that were replaced had been purchased between the years of 2015 to 2017.

Kahler said newer vehicles also have modern vehicle safety devices standard that help keep the officers safer.

Of the vehicles bought, 16 are 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe police pursuit vehicles quoted around $54,000 each before additions, and two are 2025 Hybrid Ford Explorer police pursuit vehicles quoted around $46,000 each before additions. The vehicles will be purchased from Bud Clary Chevrolet/Ford using the Washington State Bid Contract Award 05916.

The cost is under the budgeted amount of $1,755,000 set in the 2025 biennium budget and the 2024 carry forward.