Fiscal court authorizes purchase of four police-package Tahoes and use of coal severance tax funds

Pike County Fiscal Court voted to authorize purchase of four police-package Chevrolet Tahoes on state contract, to upfit them through the county’s contract vendor, and to draw down coal severance tax funds to pay the $305,512.28 total cost.

County staff reported the state-contract price for the police-package Tahoe units and an upfit cost through the county’s outfitter; staff presented a total cost of $305,512.28 for four vehicles fully equipped for sheriff’s office use. The vehicles were identified as available in August, with upfitting expected to take six to eight weeks.

The court discussed an attempt to buy locally if possible but noted the state contract and limited annual production of police-package vehicles can make local sourcing infeasible. The court instructed staff to call local dealers to check availability and agreed to vote now to secure the state-contract vehicles; members said they could rescind the authorization at the next meeting if local dealers could match the price.

The motion before the court authorized the treasurer to pay for the vehicles when they arrive and authorized Sharon to submit a coal severance tax drawdown. The roll call recorded “yes” votes from Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Atkins, Commissioner Lewis and Judge Jones.

The court did not approve a grant to fund the purchase; staff indicated there were not known grant sources to cover the vehicles and recommended using coal severance proceeds so the sheriff’s office would be equipped to address public-safety demands.