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Commission orders sheriff to return truck amid dispute over county vehicle custody
Summary
After a new county truck ended up at the sheriff's residence without county processing, commissioners directed the sheriff to return the vehicle and asked staff to draft a formal county vehicle policy; the issue was discussed in executive session and a return-or-replace deadline was set.
Chattahoochee County commissioners moved on Jan. 26 to require the sheriff to return a newly purchased county truck or a promised replacement to the county manager by noon Friday after commissioners said the vehicle was taken to the sheriff's property without county inspection, plates or insurance.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told the commission the truck in question had been purchased and was being outfitted but had not been processed for insurance or assigned. Commissioners expressed concern that county property was treated as department property and emphasized the need for clear custody and assignment procedures.
Commissioner Jason Frost said the county must exercise appropriate custody and control for county assets and reiterated concerns that taking vehicles before proper county processing created liability risks. Commissioner Timothy Biddle urged prompt development of a formal vehicle policy to prevent similar incidents.
The commission entered executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters and reconvened with Chairman Charles Coffey stating that the sheriff must return the truck or an agreed replacement to the county manager by the stated deadline. Commissioners directed staff to prepare a county vehicle use and assignment policy for future action.
