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Commission approves $2 million for sheriff’s vehicles; officials say outfitted patrol cars cost far more than retail sedans
Summary
Macon-Bibb commissioners approved a $2 million supplemental appropriation to buy and outfit marked patrol vehicles for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners and the sheriff discussed the expected number of vehicles and equipment costs during the meeting.
The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved a $2 million transfer from the general fund to capital improvements on Jan. 7 to purchase and equip vehicles for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
The appropriation, moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Bailey, was presented as a fund-balance transfer intended to allow the sheriff to replace worn or wrecked patrol vehicles and expand vehicles available for additional personnel. "This is potentially to buy 30 new patrol cars," Sheriff Davis said during the meeting, adding that a fully equipped marked patrol vehicle can cost "nearly anywhere from $65,000 to $80,000 to completely outfit." He told commissioners the base vehicle prices are higher now as well, putting some unmodified vehicles in the $45,000–$51,000 range.
Commissioner Howell asked how many vehicles $2 million would buy. Commissioners exchanged preliminary estimates during discussion — some saying "20" and others citing "30" — and Sheriff Davis described 30 as the target: "With this... we're anticipating buying at least 30. We may be able to squeeze in a couple more if we get a good price on the vehicles, but that's typically what it is."
Sheriff Davis outlined equipment costs that drive price differences between civilian cars and patrol vehicles: "The radios themselves cost 5 or $6,000. The mobile data terminals ... all of these cameras ... the deputy in that patrol car ... have access to that so that they can respond quicker ... and the other safety features that we put in them." He explained the department is seeking bids and said the office will present receipts and purchasing details as vehicles are procured.
Commissioners approved the transfer; the meeting record shows the motion carried and the item was placed on the consent agenda.
The appropriation is a supplemental one-time transfer from the general fund. The sheriff’s office and the county will pursue competitive bids; the final number of vehicles and per-unit cost will depend on bid results and equipment specifications.
