Board approves hiring of in‑house vehicle equipment technician to replace contracting for sheriff’s fleet work

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted May 20 to authorize hiring a full‑time in‑house technician to install and remove radios, lighting, cages and cameras in sheriff’s office vehicles and to provide backup technical support for the county’s emergency communications system.

The proposal, presented by county staff, said the sheriff’s office has outsourced vehicle equipment installation for years and that bringing the work in‑house would likely reduce costs, increase reliability and provide an in‑county technician to assist emergency communications construction and maintenance. The new position would report to Matt Hinkle, the county’s emergency communications manager, and the sheriff has agreed to transfer funds from his budget to cover the role.

“Going into the discussion, I wasn't real enthusiastic about it… But as we talked about the details and the advantages … to have it in the government's hands, in my opinion, rather than the unpredictable pricing and availability of contract individuals,” Supervisor Clinton said. Supervisor Michael said the proposal delivered “better service, quicker service for less money.”

County staff said the required skill set is specialized — covering radios, lighting, cages and cameras — but that interested industry candidates have expressed willingness to apply. Hinkle said the county expects to be able to recruit relatively quickly if the position is approved. The sheriff’s office and emergency communications staff vetted the proposal through the board’s budget subcommittee before bringing it to the full board.

The board moved, seconded and approved the hiring; the motion carried with no recorded opposition. Staff said subsequent budget transfers to formalize funding will be presented to the board as needed.