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County accepts $160,000 911 surplus and approves $341,293 payment for Bearkat medevac vehicle
Summary
Harrison County accepted $160,000 from the Texas Eastern 911 network for 911 improvements and approved $341,293 payment to Linco Industries for a Bearkat medevac vehicle; county officials said the vehicle can serve multiple public-safety roles and both measures passed 5–0.
Harrison County Commissioners Court on a March 2023 agenda accepted $160,000 in surplus funds from the Texas Eastern 911 network to be used for 911 improvements and approved payment of $341,293 to Linco Industries Inc. for a Bearkat medevac vehicle.
The sheriff's representative described the $160,000 as a periodic surplus distribution generated from the 911 tax and said the county hopes to apply the money toward a county radio-project buyout. “That was a very nice surprise, unexpected . . . a $160,000 check,” the sheriff's department representative said while outlining the origin of the funds.
On the vehicle purchase, the sheriff's office said the Bearkat medevac (serial number 1FDUF5HTXNDA25091 as recorded in the meeting) is multiuse: it can be used as an armored ambulance, rescue vehicle, high-water rescue unit and for other protective roles. The sheriff's office characterized the purchase as part of a multi-year effort to reestablish and equip the county’s public-safety capabilities; related equipment funding was also discussed (ballistic shields ordered for deputies, estimated in the meeting to arrive this summer).
Both items were moved and approved by the court by recorded voice vote; the meeting record shows both measures passed unanimously. County staff said they will coordinate purchase delivery and receipt inspection following the vote.
Next steps: the sheriff’s office will proceed with vehicle procurement and radio-project planning tied to the accepted 911 funds.
