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Pender County approves sheriff vehicle and equipment package for new deputies
Summary
After extended debate about budget timing and departmental equity, the board approved funding for vehicles and equipment tied to newly approved deputy positions. Sheriff and Major presented detailed state contract costs and per‑deputy equipment estimates.
Pender County commissioners approved a request to fund vehicles and equipment tied to newly funded deputy positions after an extended discussion on timing and staffing priorities.
Sheriff Cutler explained the county added four 86‑hour deputy positions approved in the adopted budget and requested funding for vehicles and gear so new hires are not dependent on shared cars. "New hires need dedicated vehicles to cover expanding service demands," Major Collier said, then presented line‑item costs: state contract vehicle pricing for a 2025 Chevrolet patrol vehicle at about $50,009.86 each and vehicle outfitting at roughly $28,318.47 per unit. Major Collier summarized the package for the four originally approved positions would total approximately $373,392.42 for vehicles and outfitting; a fully scaled request that included additional equipment and more vehicles was presented as a larger total.
Commissioners questioned why the request was not submitted during budget development and raised concerns about parity with other county departments. Commissioner Tate urged a comprehensive personnel plan that accounts for detention staffing and other needs; supporters argued public safety and response times require resources now. After discussion, the motion to approve the vehicles and equipment for the approved deputy positions was called and carried by voice vote, and the sheriff thanked the board for support.
What the board approved. The board voted to proceed with the vehicle and equipment purchases tied to the deputy positions already approved for January 1, 2026. The motion as recorded in the meeting minutes authorized county staff to proceed with procurement at state contract pricing and to return with any additional budget amendments if the board later chooses to expand the package.
Next steps. Procurement will follow state contract terms; the sheriff's office and county finance staff were directed to coordinate timing and onboarding for the new deputies.
