Wichita County authorizes purchase of 10 sheriff vehicles, budgets funds for 2026 delivery and upfits
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Summary
The county approved purchase of 10 replacement vehicles for the sheriff’s office — to be paid from 2026 budgeted funds — totaling up to $575,579 with estimated additional upfit costs; commissioners voted 5-0.
Wichita County Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved the purchase of 10 vehicles for the sheriff’s office, authorizing up to $575,579 from 2026 budgeted funds and a budget transfer from department 0409 to department 560 to cover the purchase. The court approved the purchase by voice vote, 5-0.
Chief McBaron told the court dealers had quoted a base vehicle price of about $58,001.65 for each Chevrolet Tahoe (vehicle price excluding specialized equipment and upfit). He said nine of the quoted vehicles are currently available at a local dealership and the seller agreed to hold them until county payment and delivery can occur after Jan. 1, 2026. "They will hold those vehicles for us," Chief McBaron said.
Commissioners discussed timing and upfitting. Chief McBaron said upfit quotes were already in hand and that outfitting could begin after delivery; he estimated upfit completion "probably April" depending on parts availability and said typical upfit costs were about $35,000 per vehicle, with K-9 units closer to $40,000. The meeting record lists total vehicle purchase cost as $575,579 and anticipated additional upfit costs in the several-hundred-thousand-dollar range (not finalized on the record).
Commissioner Watts made the motion to purchase the 10 vehicles using 2026 budgeted funds; Commissioner Beachum seconded. The court approved the motion, and county staff were directed to work with dealers and the county’s chosen upfitter to schedule payment and installation after Jan. 1.
The court noted the county’s budget year is on a calendar-year schedule, which affects when purchases can be charged to budgeted funds. Commissioners asked staff to include a budget-transfer authorization in the motion to make the payment pathway clear in county accounting records; staff confirmed the transfer from department 0409 to department 560 would be done in advance of payment. The motion specified that vehicles would be paid for and delivered in 2026.
