years.

city also has a second quote from the Dodge dealership in Wynne to replace the motor for $9,100.

Councilwoman Jimmie Barham questioned why NAPA would put an engine in that wasn’t compatible.

“I’m not dumping on them because you are doing business with a city that doesn’t have any money,” Barham said. “But to go and put something in an automobile that was so poorly done, was more than irresponsible.”

Mayor Carolyn Jones agreed.

“It was the council’s decision to send it to NAPA. So I’m not dumping on them because we’ve always had problems with our cars,” Jones said. “I’m not going to throw him under the bus. But I wouldn’t consider going back to them.”

“It was a bad decision on our part,” Barham added.

Barham pointed out that the city doesn’t have the money to keep spending on bills, and asked Fowler whether the police department could function with one less car.

“What could we do without.” Barham asked. “What if we were to manage the different shifts? What I’m saying is, what can we do to not have to do this?”

Fowler said the city still has three vehicles — a newer model Dodge Charger, and an older model Impala and a Crown Victoria. However, those vehicle are also in need of repairs.

“We have issues that need to be taken care of that are minor,” Fowler said. “We have engine lights on, ABS lights on. But they can be driven. Three cars are street ready.”

Fowler suggested the city might be able to double up on patrols with two officers to a car until the city can afford the repairs.

“We can work with what we have,” Fowler said. “It’s going to be difficult because we have ten officers.

And on nights we are rolling anywhere from four to six officers Friday and Saturday evening nights.

But we can always do two officers to a car which is much safer and more efficient.”

Jones said he favors doubling up on patrol in the meantime.

“I like your idea,” Jones said.

City Clerk Cynthia Conner pointed out that the car was purchased with federal grant money and the city has to keep it maintained under the terms of the grant.

“We need to keep it fixed for the simple fact that it was grant money and it is the city’s responsibility to keep it operational,” Conner said. “We have to do something.”

Barham also agreed that the car needs to be fixed and pointed out that the vehicle is going to have to last because the city won’t be getting any more federal grant money for the next three

years.

The city has been banned from applying for Justice Assistance Grants because Jones used the car as her personal vehicle.

“We know they told us there will be no car,” Barham said. “We have lost that from where we get the cars. All I’m saying, is it is in the rules that we have to keep that car going. I don’t know where we are going to get the money for these things. These bills? We can’t keep doing this.”

Conner said the city did budget $10,000 for repairs.

Councilman Donnie Cheers suggested they table the matter until they check into whether they have the money.