Sheriff says DUI-checkpoint grant will fund repeated checkpoints; commission agrees to front costs pending reimbursement

The Berkeley County Commission approved the sheriff’s request to accept a Commission on Drunk Driving grant that funds recurring DUI checkpoints and associated equipment.

Nut graf: The grant provides $15,000 per quarter to reimburse personnel costs and $10,750 to cover purchase of a trailer and checkpoint equipment. The sheriff’s office will front payroll and equipment purchases and seek state reimbursement per grant rules.

Chief Burnett (Sheriff’s Office) told commissioners the county had been approved for quarterly personnel reimbursements and a one-time equipment/trailer allocation. The proposed trailer is a 7-by-16 box trailer with generator, lighting, signage and cones; the grant reimburses purchases after the county fronts the funds. The sheriff said the county had already scheduled three checkpoint dates and expected to coordinate with state police and the bat trailer (state equipment containing an intoximeter) for some events.

Commissioners discussed the reimbursement timing and noted state rules require advertising checkpoint dates (an item governed by state code, as mentioned in the meeting). The motion to accept the grant and authorize county staff to front expenditures pending reimbursement was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: The sheriff’s office will purchase the approved trailer/equipment and submit reimbursement paperwork to the state; commissioners asked staff to track reimbursements back into county accounts.