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Commission votes 4–1 to fund two patrol trucks and body‑camera payments amid budget concerns
Summary
Taylor County commissioners approved using one‑cent sales tax to buy two patrol trucks and cover annual body‑camera payments after a 4–1 vote; Commissioner Pam Feagle opposed, citing a projected $1 million shortfall and uncertainty about state funding.
The Taylor County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 on Feb. 17 to fund the purchase of two patrol vehicles and annual body‑camera payments from the county’s one‑cent sales tax.
Undersheriff Marty Tompkins told the board the sheriff’s office has $98,500 in carry‑forward funds but needs an additional $83,020 to buy two trucks and cover annual payments for body cameras: "WE HAVE $98,500.00 CARRY FORWARD. NEED AN ADDITIONAL $83,020.00 TO PURCHASE THE TWO VEHICLES AND ANNUAL PAYMENT FOR BODY CAMERAS," Tompkins said.
Commissioner Pam Feagle voted no and urged fiscal caution. In the meeting she warned the county faces a budget gap and uncertainty about state revenue: "WE ARE ANTICIPATING A $1 MILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL IN OUR BUDGET. ... WE ALSO DON'T KNOW IF OUR INSURANCE IS GOING TO GO UP AND WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH OUR PROPERTY TAXES. EVERY ONE NEEDS TO LEARN TO LIVE WITHIN THEIR MEANS."
Commissioner Michael Newman moved to approve the purchase and funding from the one‑cent sales tax; Commissioner Jim Moody seconded. The motion carried 4–1. Commissioners English, Demps, Moody and Newman voted yes; Commissioner Feagle voted no.
Board members discussed vehicle allocation, including a question from Commissioner English about prior vehicle transfers to the city. The funding source was identified as the one‑cent sales tax in the motion and vote record shown in the meeting minutes.
The board did not attach additional conditions to the funding; county staff will proceed with procurement per the board’s direction.
