Board directs staff to prepare budget amendment for sheriff’s vehicle; procurement, timing debated

Sheriff Fleming requested authorization to pursue purchase of a vehicle that was budgeted but not ordered in the prior year and asked the board to permit a budget amendment to fund the purchase from county reserves.

The board discussed whether to specify a vehicle type (Tahoe vs. Explorer/Traverse), the need for police-package upfitting (lights, radios, cages) and the county’s capital-asset replacement plan. Sheriff Fleming said the larger vehicles (Tahoes) are useful for storing gear and handling off-road and towing needs, while some supervisors expressed interest in smaller, less costly alternatives and cautioned about timing amid other fiscal pressures.

County staff told the board procurement rules must be followed even if the sheriff prefers to buy locally. After debate, the board voted to authorize the county administrator to work with the sheriff and a local dealer to develop a proposed budget amendment; the amendment will be advertised and returned to the board for a January vote. The motion does not authorize an immediate purchase; it authorizes preparation of a budget amendment for board approval in January.

Meeting transcript records the board’s direction and that staff will bring precise cost and upfitting numbers to the January meeting for a formal vote.