Sheriff's Office opens vehicle bids, asks to reconvene next week to compare quotes

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office presented sealed bids for replacement pursuit SUVs and utility vehicles and asked the board for time to review the bids before making an award.

Sheriff Jerome Kramer and Captain Dan Newton opened multiple packets, including proposals from Janssen's Chrysler (Dodge Durango police pursuit, with per-vehicle and trade-in pricing and a quoted county cost after trade), a second Janssen package for V6 Durango variants, and Bill Summers Ford for 2024 police-interceptor utility vehicles (detailed engine and transmission specs were included). The Ford bid listed a net per-vehicle price after incentives and rebates and a total county cost after stated trade values.

County staff and commissioners noted the bids include different engine configurations (V6 vs. other), equipment-transfer issues (radio, laptop mounts, cages and grill guards will need replacement/adaptation when changing vehicle style) and varying incentive structures that complicate an immediate award. Sheriff Kramer and Captain Newton provided specification sheets and asked commissioners to allow time for comparison.

Given the complexity and the number of variables, the board agreed to table the award and reconvene at 9:30 a.m. next week with comparison spreadsheets and pros/cons from the vendor quotes. Commissioners asked for a simple spreadsheet summarizing vendor, engine, base price, incentives, trade-in allowance, and total county cost.

Ending No contract or award was made. Staff will return next week with a side-by-side comparison and recommended action.