Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clark County OKs emergency purchase of two sheriff cruisers citing aging fleet and deer hits
Summary
The Clark County Commissioners declared a real and present emergency and authorized buying two 2026 Dodge Durango PPVs (total $119,675) for the Sheriff’s Office after multiple cruisers were rendered unusable by mechanical failure and deer strikes.
The Clark County Board of Commissioners on July 15 authorized an emergency purchase of two 2026 Dodge Durango PPVs for the Sheriff’s Office, approving a $119,675 purchase and finding a real and present emergency under Ohio law that permits expedited procurement.
Sheriff Chris Clark told the commissioners the emergency stems from a depleted, aging fleet and frequent vehicle losses: “The emergency is due to mechanical issues, aging fleet, and totaled vehicles due to deer hits, and the Sheriff’s Office is in desperate need of vehicles.” The resolution authorizes an expenditure not to exceed $125,000 and directs payment from the Permanent Improvement Fund; the motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse, who said she personally experienced issues with current cruisers, told the board “the cruiser she rode in recently stalled 3 times,” underscoring the operational concern. Commissioner Patterson confirmed the emergency finding was based on multiple vehicles being put out of service and the need to replace cars immediately.
The resolution lists the two purchased vehicles by VIN (1C4SDJFT0TC255335 and 1C4SDJFT9TC255334) and instructs the county administrator to execute purchase documents. The board recorded a unanimous roll-call vote to authorize the purchase.
