Wythe County approves vehicle purchase appropriation and several sheriff office funding moves

At the March 11 meeting of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors the board approved several sheriff-office budget actions: an amend-and-appropriate of $172,000 to purchase four patrol vehicles now, a transfer of $13,703 from electronic-summons funds to police supplies, an increase in the narcotics petty-cash fund from $5,000 to $7,500, and authorization to donate $12,600 from photo-enforcement receipts to Wythe County Public Schools for tournament transportation.

Why it matters: staff and the sheriff’s office told the board that vehicle prices were rising and that vehicles available on dealer lots might not remain available. Staff recommended ordering vehicles in the current fiscal year and financing them from reserves or by adjusting next year’s budget planning to avoid higher costs. The board approved the requested appropriation and transfers.

Board discussion: Supervisors asked about the timing and estimated price increases; staff said the sheriff estimated roughly $2,000 more per vehicle if procurement waited. One supervisor noted recent vehicle losses due to accidents and endorsed moving forward to replace units.

Votes and next steps: The motion to amend and appropriate $172,000 passed on roll call (motion by Supervisor Smith; second by Supervisor Terry). The $13,703 transfer and the narcotics petty-cash increase were both approved by roll call; the $12,600 donation to the schools passed after a motion by Supervisor Cook and second by Supervisor Terry. Staff will place purchase orders for vehicles and track related budget entries in coordination with the finance department.

The board also discussed prior vehicle purchases in the current year (an earlier $230,000 amendment in August) and the use of special funds (concealed-weapons or electronic-summons receipts) to buy additional units when appropriate.