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Sheriff asks for armored vehicle; board authorizes supplemental appropriation and deposit priority
Summary
Sheriff Andes requested purchase of a replacement armored vehicle to protect officers and civilians. The board approved a supplemental appropriation and authorized using proceeds and a deposit to secure the purchase pending carryover, and earlier approved an increase in auxiliary deputies.
Sheriff Andes told the board the department’s existing refuge/armored vehicle is outdated, parts are unobtainable and it lacks protection against modern rifle rounds. He described uses including active-shooter incidents, rescues, barricaded suspects and high‑risk warrants, and called the need "immediate." The sheriff reported $236,460 in proceeds from DRMO surplus sales but said an additional $179,240 would be required to complete the purchase.
Board members expressed support for officer safety but noted the tight budget. Finance staff reported the board’s contingency reserve was limited (reported balance ~$30,470 before other contingency approvals), and supervisors discussed carryover, deposits and whether the sheriff’s office could place a deposit to hold a vehicle.
The board gave consensus to the county administrator to send a letter indicating purchase priority and approved a supplemental appropriation to the traffic enforcement fund for $236,460 and amended the motion to authorize the sheriff to use a portion for a deposit toward the armored vehicle. The motion and amendment carried by unanimous voice vote.
Earlier in the meeting, the board had also approved increasing the number of auxiliary deputy positions (volunteer, DCJS-trained) to support special events and emergency operations; that motion also passed without opposition.
Finance staff will work with the sheriff’s office to determine final funding and any required carryover or additional appropriation.
