The sheriff reported the department currently has 19 cruisers, many with high mileage and at least two with more than 200,000 miles, and said one vehicle had just broken down and was being towed. The sheriff asked the fiscal court to consider purchasing a replacement marked cruiser to avoid removing vehicles from patrol.
Magistrates discussed vehicle types and costs. The sheriff noted that some vehicle models perform better on local terrain (Tahoes have performed better than lower-riding cars on county roads) and that equipment installation adds roughly $16,000 to $20,000 to a vehicle price. The sheriff said he did not necessarily require a brand-new cruiser and suggested looking at used-equipment vendors as well as new-vehicle pricing.
The court asked the sheriff to gather price estimates for both new and used vehicles (including equipment-fit costs) and said the finance committee and county clerk will review available funds and options. The court did not commit funds at the meeting but directed the sheriff to return with price comparisons and to coordinate with finance.
Why it matters: patrol vehicles are essential to public safety and staffing; prolonged vehicle downtime reduces patrol availability and may increase overtime or reduce coverage.
The court agreed to have the finance committee (including Michael McKinney and county finance staff) evaluate potential purchases and report back; magistrates said a used-vehicle option may reduce immediate expense if certified equipment installs are acceptable.