Commission approves additional payment for sheriff vehicle repair; further estimate and staff review ordered

County commissioners approved an additional $2,756.69 to cover replacement front‑end parts on a 2023 Traverse assigned to the sheriff’s office, after discussing multiple repair quotes and concerns about frame integrity and future safety.

Staff described an initial estimate of roughly $6,000 for attempted frame straightening, but the collision shop determined the part could not be reliably straightened and opted to replace it, driving the additional $2,756.69. Commissioners questioned whether more charges could follow and whether the county’s insurance and the sheriff’s office share of costs were clear; staff said an insurance settlement figure and prior approvals had covered a portion of the cost and that the sheriff’s office would cover remaining amounts per previous direction.

Commissioners asked staff to have Jared (county staff) attend and recap the repair status and total projected cost so the commission could understand the full exposure before any further approvals. One commissioner noted frame repairs can affect long‑term drivability and could lead to extra wear and tear; another suggested possibly outsourcing some heavy equipment work to private contractors if county crews are not maintaining equipment to expected standards.

The motion to approve the additional $2,756.69 passed by voice vote; commissioners also agreed to place further repair approvals on hold pending Jared’s in‑person update.

Ending: Additional repairs remain possible; commissioners requested a staff briefing with Jared to provide a clearer total estimate and a recommendation on whether to proceed with further work.