Cumberland County approves $2.25M vehicle budget for sheriff's department replacement vehicles

Cumberland County officials are taking decisive action to address the pressing need for new vehicles in the sheriff's department, following a recent meeting where the board approved a budget amendment of over $2.25 million for the replacement of 26 fleet vehicles. This decision comes in light of the sheriff's office losing several vehicles due to accidents, which have been deemed total losses.

During the meeting, Commissioner Adams raised concerns about the necessity of replacing all 26 vehicles, especially given the current staffing shortages within the department. He emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive inventory of all county vehicles, particularly those used by the Department of Social Services, where private vehicles are often employed for transporting children without verified insurance coverage. Adams warned that this could expose the county to significant liability risks.

Commissioner Tyson, serving as the sheriff's liaison, defended the urgency of the vehicle replacements, citing the critical role that reliable transportation plays in law enforcement operations. He highlighted the sheriff's ongoing struggle to secure adequate funding for vehicle replacements, noting that previous requests had been significantly underfunded.

The board ultimately voted to approve the budget amendment, allowing the county manager to work with the lowest responsible bidder to procure the new vehicles. This decision aims to ensure that law enforcement officers have access to safe and functional vehicles, which are essential for their duties.

As the county moves forward with this plan, officials are also considering a broader assessment of all county vehicles to better manage resources and address potential liabilities. The board's commitment to supporting law enforcement while also prioritizing the safety of vulnerable populations reflects a collaborative approach to governance in Cumberland County.