At a July 1 work session, Augusta‑Richmond County presenters said the sheriff’s office needs a multi‑year vehicle‑replacement program and asked the commission to include approximately $18 million in SPLOST 9 to fund an estimated $3 million per year replacement plan.

Chief Blanchard described the request as necessary “to enhance public safety operational efficiency” and to move the department from reactive to proactive fleet management. He told commissioners the sheriff’s office wants to replace about 45 patrol vehicles per year to reach an 8–9 year replacement cycle; presenters said that remains short of an industry optimal 5‑ to 6‑year cycle but represents a substantial improvement over the current fleet age.

Presenters provided a snapshot of fleet age and condition: they said 103 vehicles have been in service 10–14 years, 58 vehicles have been in service 15–25 years, and the department remains roughly 25 vehicles short of its needs after losses from recent storms and accidents. Vehicle purchase prices have risen sharply, presenters added — a pursuit‑rated SUV that might have cost $30,000 three years ago can now cost about $55,000, and outfitting costs have also increased.

The sheriff’s office said the fleet request is designed to improve officer safety, lower maintenance cost and downtime, and reduce reliance on the operating budget for emergency vehicle purchases. The project total cost presented was $18 million (approximately $3 million per year) with a goal of purchasing roughly 45 patrol units annually.

Commissioners asked about life‑cycle planning and how the request aligns with SPLOST’s historical role in funding vehicle replacements; presenters said SPLOST has funded similar replacements in prior cycles and that steady annual replacement would stabilize costs and improve reliability.

No formal action or vote was taken at the session; the matter will be considered as part of the broader SPLOST 9 package and financial recommendations to come.