Jones County commissioners waive bidding, authorize sheriff to buy patrol cars; approve road and water work, elect vice chair

Jones County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved a slate of operational measures including authorization for the sheriff’s office to buy five used 2023 Dodge Charger patrol cars (with the option to pre-purchase up to 10 more), approved road work under the FY25 program to the extent available funds allow, amended a water construction contract for Mackenzie Drive pending customer deposits, and elected Sam Kitchens as vice chair.

The most consequential vote allowed the sheriff’s office to bypass the normal competitive-bid process for the 2023 Dodge Chargers and to purchase five vehicles at $35,000 each, with an option to buy the same cars at the same price later. Sheriff’s office staff told commissioners the Chargers were being offered at roughly $11,000 less than comparable 2024/2025 pursuit vehicles. “They’re $35,000,” the sheriff’s representative said, adding that the price represents a substantial saving compared with new 2024 pursuit packages.

Why it matters: commissioners said the decision preserves near-term cost savings and vehicle availability for law enforcement as new-purchase prices remain elevated. The board approved both (1) waiving the bid/competitive requirement because comparable 2023 vehicles were not available via state contract and (2) the purchase authorization with the option to pre-purchase additional cars over the next three years.

Other approvals and actions - Roads: The board reviewed the county’s ranked list of paved roads for FY25 and approved using available LMIG (Local Maintenance) or county funds “down the list” to the point the funds permit. Staff presented a prioritized list of 10 paved roads recommended for full-depth reclamation, overlay, or patching; the presentation included project cost estimates and a proposed match. Commissioners approved proceeding with bids and applying funds to the list in priority order. - Water: The board approved an amendment to Sellers Contracting to complete work on Mackenzie Drive, pending that customers sign up with down payments. County staff said Mackenzie Drive is a short stretch (about 400–500 feet), currently serves six residents and three houses under construction, and has five additional guaranteed customers who had indicated they will connect. The board directed that the cost be taken from the water department construction fund. - Appointments and procedure: The board reappointed Steven Saunders to the Historic Preservation Board for a three-year term, approved the consent agenda and minutes, and postponed three planning and zoning agenda items (P1, P2 and P3) until the next meeting. Commissioners elected Sam Kitchens as vice chair.

Quotes and context - On vehicle pricing: The sheriff’s presenter said, “They’re $35,000,” and argued that the purchase would save taxpayers versus current new-vehicle prices. - On the Mackenzie Drive decision: staff emphasized the board’s vote was conditioned on customer down payments before work proceeds.

Votes at a glance - Motion to postpone planning and zoning items P1, P2 and P3 until the next meeting — Passed (unanimous; motion made and seconded; recorded as approved) - Reappointment: Steven Saunders to the Historic Preservation Board (three-year term) — Passed (unanimous) - Consent agenda and approval of minutes (Dec. 30 work session and others) — Passed (unanimous) - Motion to waive/forego competitive bid for selected 2023 vehicles (state contract unavailable) — Passed (unanimous) - Authorization to purchase five 2023 Dodge Chargers at $35,000 each, with option to pre-purchase up to 10 additional vehicles at same price over next three years — Passed (unanimous) - FY25 roads list — Motion to proceed with projects and apply available funds in priority order — Passed (unanimous) - Amendment to Sellers Contracting to finish Mackenzie Drive, pending customer down payments; funding from water department construction fund — Passed (unanimous) - Election of Sam Kitchens as vice chair — Passed (unanimous)

What commissioners said and next steps Commissioners and staff emphasized fiscal caution while addressing operational needs: the vehicle purchase was framed as a cost-avoidance measure given high new-vehicle prices, roads work will proceed according to the county’s ranked condition list and available funds, and the Mackenzie Drive connection will move forward only after customers commit with down payments. Staff will proceed with bid packages for the road list and return signed contract amendments where required.

Ending: The board scheduled follow-ups and additional public hearings (see separate notices) where required by statute or policy; staff will return with contract documents and bid results.