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Commissioners approve purchase of dive-team boat with Homeland Security grants and county funds
Summary
After extended discussion and procurement concerns, commissioners approved buying a custom dive-team boat for $48,375.25, using $31,602 from Homeland Security grants and $16,773.25 from the general fund; vote passed 5–3.
The board approved purchasing a custom dive-team boat to equip the sheriff’s dive team, allocating Homeland Security grant funds and a county general-fund contribution to cover the cost.
Emergency-management staff and dive-team leadership described a multi-year procurement to secure a custom boat, citing supply-chain delays that pushed the project from planning in 2021 into 2023. Staff explained they combined multiple Homeland Security grant years (FY2020–FY2022) to assemble $31,006 in grant funds and planned a supplemental purchase using FY2023 planning; the total purchase price reported to the board was $48,375.25, leaving a county match of $16,773.25.
Commissioners and staff discussed procurement rules: some members emphasized the county purchasing policy requiring sealed bids for purchases over $20,000 and expressed concern about timing and whether the board had received multiple, sealed bids. Staff said they had multiple quotes and a local vendor was willing to work with the county; county counsel noted future procurements would go through the county procurement office. Several commissioners described the situation as an emergency because the county’s current fleet includes only one functional boat and dive-team readiness requires at least two vessels.
A motion to purchase the vessel carried on a roll-call vote 5–3. Recorded yes votes included George Gilmore, Jack Kleinhart, Arlene Hepler, David Holzlay and Samantha (last name not specified); no votes included Ricky Bacon, Dale Majewski and Gabe (last name not specified). The motion was moved by Dale (full name not specified) and seconded by George Gilmore. Commissioners agreed the procurement office would be involved in remaining steps and that the sheriff’s office should pursue trade-in or disposal of the old boat, though any proceeds would likely be modest.
Ending: The county will proceed with the purchase and apply Homeland Security grant reimbursements as available; staff will complete necessary procurement documentation and report back on trade-in value and final grant reimbursements.
