Bypass Bids For La Grange Cop Cars: Official

HINSDALE, IL – The La Grange manager is asking to buy police cars without a competitive bidding process that involves the Village Board.

In a memo last week, Village Manager Jack Knight said the car market continues to be volatile. And he said a suburban purchasing cooperative has no state contract or timeline for the delivery of cars.

"More recently, bids that have been opened are often closed before staff has time to request Village Board approval for a purchase," Knight said. "In other instances, bids have been accepted and manufacturers have cancelled orders."

As a result, the village administration said it seeks flexibility to act quickly when an appropriate car becomes available.

The budget includes $210,000 for three new police cars and outfitting them, the memo said.

The Village Board plans to vote Monday night on granting the manager the new authority.