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Commissioners split 3–2 and approve Dodge for Constable Precinct 3 after debate over pickups vs. SUVs
Summary
After discussion about operating costs, resale value and rig‑out expenses, Henderson County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of a Dodge vehicle for Constable Precinct 3 on a 3‑2 vote.
HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Commissioners Court voted 3‑2 to authorize purchase of a Dodge vehicle for Constable Precinct 3 following debate over whether constables should receive trucks or SUVs.
Commissioner McCam moved to approve the purchase and Commissioner Spivey seconded; the motion passed three‑to‑two. The court discussed cost differences, equipment ‘‘rig‑out’’ pricing and the county’s prior decision to move to SUVs for constables.
A county presenter described rig‑out costs for vehicles: the truck rig‑out was quoted at about $8,700 per constable specification while the SUV fit‑out was a flat $13,000 under the provided quote. Commissioners noted the truck’s base unit price was roughly $1,000 higher than the SUV in the presented figures, and that the overall cost difference between the fully equipped truck and a Durango SUV was in the range discussed by staff. Commissioners also cited operational considerations and resale values: several said pickups generally bring higher auction returns in Texas and that pickups are useful for certain county tasks.
One commissioner noted constables’ preferences for pickup trucks but said precincts would accept either choice given availability. The court also referenced the county’s remaining truck — a 2011 unit with about 140,000 miles — and discussed future hand‑downs to road and bridge or maintenance as vehicles age.
Following discussion, the court approved the Dodge purchase for Constable Precinct 3. The transcript records no additional conditions, financing breakdown or specified vendor for the vehicle purchase.
