A significant chunk of money donated to the Jeannette Police Department’s police dog program could be put toward a new vehicle for Officer Jim Phillips and police dog Arees.

Phillips made the pitch to city council Tuesday to contribute $30,000 toward the possible purchase as his 2011 Ford Explorer, that is not equipped for police use, racks up costly repairs.

“We’re asking it to do something it wasn’t made to do,” he said.

Arees, a 7-year-old German shepherd, joined the force about five years ago and has since been involved in numerous arrests, search warrants and community events. Phillips said he has regular fundraisers for the K-9 program to help with additional costs. Using $30,000 will leave $10,000 remaining in a fundraising account, he said.

Police Chief Shannon Binda said a new police SUV would cost about $40,000. Putting the donations toward the purchase of a new vehicle would be a “great deal” for the city, she said.

“This thing is starting to nickel and dime us like you wouldn’t believe,” Binda said. “We haven’t had a K-9 out on the road for the last week because the vehicle’s been in the shop.”

Phillips said some items in his current Ford Explorer could be sold and others transferred over to the new vehicle. The current SUV was not made to be a K-9 vehicle, he said.

Council members appeared to be willing to authorize the purchase and chip in $10,000 to $12,000. Council could vote on the measure Thursday.

“There’s so many other municipalities that use our K-9,” Mayor Curtis Antoniak said.

“It’s a no-brainer, it’s something we have to do,” said Councilman Chuck Highlands. “I have no problem with it.”

Phillips is being promoted to sergeant at council’s regular meeting Thursday.

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