McDonough council ratifies police vehicle purchase, approves stormwater truck and appoints city administrator

The City Council of McDonough on Feb. 5 ratified a previously approved purchase of five police vehicles, approved a replacement service truck for the stormwater division and appointed Keith Dickerson as city administrator.

Chief Ken Noble told the council the police purchase was originally approved Aug. 18, 2025 but the vendor Legacy Ford could not supply the vehicles. "We located 5 vehicles from Brandon Motors, at the total cost of each vehicle is $46,200 per vehicle with a total cost of $231,000," Chief Noble said, adding the change would yield roughly $26,000 in savings. He said the purchase will be funded from the city's SPLOST 5 project funds.

Council members questioned whether the vehicles were replacements or additions; Chief Noble said some units would replace older vehicles and others represent a mix of swaps and replacements identified by mileage thresholds. After discussion the council moved to ratify the procurement and voted 6–0 in favor.

Assistant Public Works Director Andy Butts asked the council to authorize purchase of a 2026 4x4 double-cab service truck with an eight-foot service body for the stormwater department at a cost of $59,574 from Bellamy Strickland. Butts said the vehicle replaces a 2004 truck with roughly 223,000 miles and described plans to surplus the old unit. Members asked whether prices had been compared across makes and whether the utility body availability affected selection; Butts said he had sought options and that timing and availability influenced the recommendation. The council approved the purchase by voice vote (6–0).

On personnel, the council appointed Keith Dickerson as city administrator. The mayor gave a short introduction about Dickerson's prior service in public works and finance; the council moved, seconded and the appointment passed 6–0. Dickerson spoke briefly to say he was "excited to be back" and looked forward to serving full-time.

Votes at a glance: • Police vehicles (ratification of prior procurement): 5 vehicles from Brandon Motors; $46,200 each; total $231,000; funding: SPLOST 5; vote 6–0 to ratify. • Stormwater service truck: Bellamy Strickland; $59,574; replacement vehicle for stormwater department; vote 6–0 to approve. • Appointment: Keith Dickerson appointed city administrator; vote 6–0.

The council also handled routine business, took public comment and adjourned. The body moved into executive session later in the meeting and returned to take a post-session motion recorded as "260205 as written."