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McLeod County approves OHV safety grant, multiple patrol vehicle purchases, second K-9 and new assisted call-taking system
Summary
The county approved a state OHV safety grant for education and enforcement, purchased four new sheriff's vehicles (one Ford F-150 and three Dodge Durangos), added a second K-9 to the unit, and approved a three-year assisted call-taking contract to transcribe, map and summarize 911 calls in real time.
McLeod County commissioners voted to approve several sheriff's office items, including a state Off-Highway Vehicle safety grant, four replacement vehicles, the addition of a second K-9 and a three-year contract for assisted call-taking and quality assurance technology.
The board approved a state OHV safety grant to support safety training, equipment and enforcement; 2026 funding was listed at $5,355.67. Commissioners moved and seconded the grant approval and passed it by voice vote.
The sheriff's office sought and received approval to purchase a 2026 Ford F-150 via state bid from October Ford in St. Cloud at $53,912 to replace a 2020 Dodge Durango. The quoted price includes an eight-year, 150,000-mile extended warranty with a $0 deductible. Commissioners discussed vehicle utility and warranty coverage before approving the purchase.
Separately, the board approved the purchase of three 2026 Dodge Durangos via state bid (total $128,172; $42,724 each) to replace three older vehicles (2014 and 2018 models).
Sheriff's office staff also requested approval to add a second K-9 through Performance Kennel, Inc. (Buffalo, Minnesota) at a $13,000 cost. The department will use a $7,500 American Kennel Club grant to offset the dog purchase and budget $7,500 in 2026 for the 12-week training program. Commissioners noted the department staggers K-9 purchases so at least one dog is always available.
Finally, the board approved a three-year contract with Prepared (New York) for assisted call-taking and quality-assurance tools for the communications center at a total cost of $63,096.50 ($23,165.50 in year one, $19,965.50 in years two and three). The platform will transcribe conversations, provide on-the-fly translation, map call location data, summarize incidents and provide instantaneous QA feedback to call takers.
All items were approved by motions and voice votes recorded as "aye."
