The Ways and Means Committee voted to take the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant off the table and accept funding to buy two marked transport vehicles for the sheriff epartment.
The action matters because the county intends to replace decommissioned transport vehicles without drawing on general-fund tax dollars if the grant covers purchases under the $75,000 cap discussed by the sheriff.
During committee discussion, Sheriff Cicero described vehicles to be removed from service and said the replacements would be for transporting staff and equipment, not for patrol. Cicero said the county had already decommissioned three vehicles: a 2013 Tahoe (transmission failure), a 2005 Jeep Laredo (about 200,000 miles, transmission failure), and a 1986 AMC used in training. He said a van also might be decommissioned depending on repair viability. The sheriff said, "They have to be marked according to the grant." He added the vehicles sought would be transporter models rather than police-package vehicles, noting police-package models have heavier-duty suspension, alternators and radiators that the county did not need for transport tasks.
Committee members asked whether the purchases would cost taxpayers if the grant were not awarded; the sheriff said the department expected the grant but that replacements would otherwise be included in the 2026 budget. He said vehicles under consideration included models listed on the OGS state procurement site, with price guidance such as a Chevy Malibu for about $23,000'4,000 and a Chevy Trailblazer under $30,000. The sheriff also said the department planned to donate the 2013 Tahoe to Alfred State College for its automotive program if the college can repair and use it for training.
The committee untabled the grant item, moved it, and approved it by voice vote. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript. The motion untabled and approved the previously tabled acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
Committee members noted the vehicles will be gas-powered, not electric, and asked whether there is any ongoing commitment to maintain the vehicles beyond their useful life; the sheriff said there is no such long-term commitment tied to the grant.
The committee discussion included several clarifying points but no additional conditions were attached to the acceptance vote. The sheriff said the department expected no direct cost to taxpayers for the vehicle purchases if the department can keep each vehicle procurement under the $75,000 total discussed.
The committee concluded the vote and moved to other unfinished business.