Sheriff asks commissioners to amend budget for impound-yard fencing; offers reduced bid for smaller enclosure

The Appling County sheriff asked the Board of Commissioners to amend the county budget to pay for fencing and an electronic gate to secure impounded vehicles and property behind the sheriff's office, saying the office has experienced thefts from impounded vehicles.

The sheriff described an ongoing problem after nearby timber was cleared that left the impound area exposed and recounted a recent incident in which an impounded vehicle was taken from the lot. He said the original plan had been to fence a 6-to-7-acre parcel for future expansion, and that the full fence bid previously obtained was about $90,000. After asking the contractor to provide a reduced scope that would enclose the open area directly behind the office (excluding timbered acreage), the sheriff said he received a bid for $47,008.46 that would include an electronic gate priced at about $8,800.

"We impounded a vehicle the other day... 3 or 4 days later, we get a call... they're in a chase with that person claiming they're driving that vehicle... he come and stole his vehicle back," the sheriff told commissioners, describing the security concern.

The sheriff asked the board to amend the budget to pay for the work and suggested possible funding sources including leftover recovery funds and ARPA funds. Commissioners suggested getting additional quotes; one commissioner said there might be $20,000 to $25,000 in recovery money available, and another suggested ARPA might cover part of the cost. The board asked staff to seek at least one or two more bids and to consider using timber-sale proceeds later to offset costs.

The sheriff said he would obtain further quotes and that the county surveyor might assist in defining the fenced area. The board did not vote to allocate funds at the meeting but directed staff to get additional bids and return with funding options.