During the Frio County Commissioners Court Meeting on October 29, 2024, a significant discussion centered around the procurement of new vehicles for the local law enforcement agency. The court reviewed a bid from Alvarado Lighting, which was the only proposal received for upgrading three police vehicles. The total cost for this upgrade is approximately $67,800, a figure that raised concerns due to budget constraints.

The sheriff highlighted that the funding available from Senate Bill 22 was insufficient to cover the costs, with only about $25,000 remaining for equipment. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the department in securing necessary resources for their operations. The sheriff expressed a sense of urgency, noting that while the price tag is substantial, it reflects the current market rates for essential upgrades, including prisoner partitions and communication systems.

The discussion also touched on the quality of work provided by Alvarado Lighting, with the sheriff noting their responsiveness and reliability compared to larger vendors, which often leave smaller departments waiting for service. The sheriff confirmed that the vehicles would be fully equipped to handle the demands of police work, addressing previous concerns about the adequacy of standard vehicles for law enforcement purposes.

In addition to the vehicle upgrades, the meeting included other discussions, but the focus on law enforcement resources highlighted the critical need for adequate funding and support for public safety in Frio County. As the county navigates budget limitations, the decisions made in these meetings will have lasting implications for the effectiveness of local law enforcement and community safety.