Covington County approves surplus of two sheriff vehicles and authorizes local bidding with state‑bid fallback

The Covington County Commission on Jan. 27 approved a request from the sheriff to declare two patrol vehicles as surplus and authorized a procurement path for replacements.

The sheriff told the commission the 2018 Dodge Charger suffered catastrophic engine failure and was not feasible to repair. The Ford pickup, while not yet at very high mileage, was judged more valuable as a trade‑in than if it remained in service. The commission voted to surplus both vehicles and to allow the sheriff to pursue replacement vehicles.

The sheriff presented two replacement options: new vehicles available through state bids (including an Explorer and a Ford Maverick) and used vehicles that would require local bids. Commissioners discussed supporting local dealerships by allowing purchases up to 5% above the state bid price. After discussion, the commission approved a motion allowing the sheriff to solicit local bids for the replacement vehicles and authorized the sheriff to purchase from the state bid without returning to the commission if local bids were not within the 5% local preference window; the authorization includes necessary accessories and equipment.

The transcript records the commission's approvals by voice vote; no detailed dollar figures for the replacement vehicles were recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt beyond trade‑in rationale and mention of state bid options. One of the replacement vehicles is intended for a school resource officer position. The sheriff indicated one replacement would be paid from discretionary funds and one from budgeted funds; commissioners discussed and clarified which funding sources would apply.

Next steps: the sheriff will solicit local bids, compare them to the state bid, and proceed as authorized; the surplus vehicles will be removed and one will be offered as trade‑in value for a replacement.