Sheriff's Office gets approval for vehicle outfitting, medical services and supplies

Bonner County commissioners on Nov. 25 approved several Sheriff's Office procurement and contract items, including outfitting three new patrol trucks, renewing a jail medical services contract, buying ammunition, and extending a food services agreement.

Vehicle outfitting: the Sheriff's Office requested $44,987.85 to outfit three 2025 Chevrolet Silverados through Frontline Communication Systems (about $14,995.95 per vehicle). The office said vendor pricing was competitive and that buying a complete outfitting package saved time and avoided piecemeal mismatches of parts.

Medical services: the board approved a medical services contract with a physician to provide on-site and consultative care in adult and juvenile detention for a maximum of $51,400 annually, effective Sept. 30, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026. The contract covers on-site consultations, hospital referrals, 24-hour on-call coverage and related services; the sheriff's office said the arrangement prevents costly transports and preserves continuity of care.

Ammunition and food services: the board authorized purchase of ammunition totaling $20,670.54 from Salt Lake Wholesale Sports distributed across patrol, jail and marine units. Commissioners also approved a three-year food services agreement with Trinity Services Group; the vendor cited an approximate 14% price increase tied to cost-index adjustments and staffing challenges, estimated at roughly $3.15 per inmate meal.

Board rationale: commissioners emphasized continuity of services for detention and public safety and noted budgeting and procurement due diligence. Several commissioners asked about reuse of older equipment and long-term operating costs for new contracts but approved the motions.