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Newton County approves two patrol Tahoes and new K-9 unit, payments to begin in 2027
Summary
The county approved lease agreements to acquire two outfitted Chevrolet Tahoes (total outfitting prices roughly $66,709 and $81,479) and to start a new K-9 unit; the sheriff said the K-9 will be a 'force multiplier' for public safety and commissioners approved the purchases by voice vote.
Newton County commissioners approved lease agreements to add two patrol vehicles to the sheriff's fleet and to place a new K-9 unit in service.
The sheriff's office representative described two vehicles proposed for lease: a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe with outfitting for $66,709.42 and a 2025 Tahoe 4x4 with outfitting for $81,478.98. The sheriff said the county will not incur first payments until 2027 and estimated that the county's annual vehicle note would increase by roughly $10,000 between the two vehicles once payments begin.
On the K-9, the sheriff said the department purchased a four-year-old German Shepherd and handler arrangement from a neighboring county and described the unit's certifications and early field successes. "That's gonna be a force multiplier, for public safety in the county," the sheriff's representative said.
Commissioners moved and approved the lease-line item as submitted and directed staff to proceed with the financing approach described in the packet (small local loan through a bank was referenced).
Next steps: procurement and vehicle outfitting will proceed under the approved lease agreements; the K-9 unit will begin field duty as described by the sheriff's office and the county will begin budgeting for increased annual fleet payments in future fiscal years.
