Work session: commissioners delay decision on sheriff vehicle after staffing and inventory questions

At a Dec. 23 work session the Cusseta–Chattahoochee County commission reviewed department reports and a county manager‑provided inventory of sheriff vehicles and agreed to delay any decision to purchase a replacement vehicle until staffing and vehicle custody issues are clarified.

County Manager Thomas Weaver presented a list of vehicles the county counts as available (including a Tahoe, several Ford F‑150s and Dodge Chargers and three 2022 police interceptors). An attendee, identified in the minutes as Amanda Beaver, disputed whether certain vehicles (a Charger and a 2012 Explorer) were available for reassignment and said the sheriff’s office was not at full staff.

Commissioners discussed whether a truck or a sedan was more appropriate for the sheriff’s needs; Chairman Charles Coffey and others said there was merit to a truck if the sheriff’s office is using vehicles to support EMS and field tasks, but the board agreed the justifiable need had not been established for an immediate replacement. Commissioners asked staff for a complete vehicle and mileage report and to seek a written response from the sheriff’s office before adding a purchase to a meeting agenda.

The work session also reviewed a Superior Court request for $13,500 for additional staffing (the request would require a budget amendment from reserves) but the commission did not add that item to the regular meeting agenda. Other items tentatively scheduled for the Jan. 7 meeting included a proclamation, a library board appointment and a zoning contract renewal.

The work session entered executive session at 9:34 a.m. and reconvened at 10:10 a.m., adjourning at 10:12 a.m.