Constable Daniel warns his precinct vehicle is failing, seeks replacement options

Constable Daniel addressed the commissioners about an urgent fleet issue: his precinct's 2016 patrol vehicle is deteriorating, with repeated repairs and an estimated major transmission cost looming. He described intermittent transmission failure, recurring AC leaks, recent high-pressure line failure, and the risk of being stranded while on duty. "The vehicle is a major, major, major part of the cost of being able to function and do its duties," Constable Daniel said.

Daniel proposed auctioning the current vehicle (previous precinct auction yielded about $5,500) to apply proceeds toward a replacement and identified a 4x4 Chevrolet pickup on a lot in Austin priced at roughly $51,000 plus about $14,000 for professional outfitting to meet law-enforcement needs. Commissioners treated the item as discussion-only, asked staff to check for sheriff's spare vehicles or other interim options, and noted vehicle replacement timing may depend on the next budget cycle. No formal purchase was authorized at the meeting.