Burke County tables sheriff’s fleet software award and multiple vehicle bids pending sheriff’s office briefing

Burke County commissioners voted to table the award of a fleet management software contract for the sheriff’s office and to delay multiple vehicle purchases after members requested more detail from sheriff’s staff.

The sheriff’s office had asked to delay the software award; the board did not take action on that item. Commissioners also paused consideration of several vehicle bids after discussion about funding and the types of vehicles requested. Commissioners said some vehicle requests appeared to seek marked patrol cars and unmarked pickups and questioned whether SPLOST funds should purchase unmarked vehicles.

Commissioners asked the sheriff’s office to provide an explanation of the vehicle list, why certain models were selected rather than lower bids, and whether all requested vehicles were necessary. Commissioner Lively moved to table the vehicle bids until the sheriff or a representative could appear; Commissioner Bridal seconded and the motion passed.

The board noted SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds are the proposed source for many of the vehicle purchases and that staff should confirm available balances and resale of surplus county vehicles before proceeding. No final award or dollar amounts were approved at the meeting.