Constables ask for deputies and vehicles as county growth stretches fleets

Constables across precincts described population growth, rising civil-process and traffic workloads and a shortage of fleet vehicles, and requested new deputies, backfills and equipment. Constable Precinct 1 asked for two deputies (with vehicles and equipment) to cover traffic and lake patrol and cited a recent 19-kg cocaine seizure by a new K-9. Precinct 2 asked for four deputies plus a position upgrade to address civil-process backlogs and traffic enforcement; that package’s combined cost was discussed near $914,928–$946,779, with a priority on the promotion upgrade. Precinct 3 requested two district units and two upgrades for its CIU/ICAC teams citing narcotics seizures and child-protection operations.

Several constables and staff raised vehicle procurement problems — long lead times and outfitting delays — and recommended awarding vehicle bids to multiple vendors or pursuing alternative procurement channels to reduce the nine-month waits. Amanda (budget office) noted the vehicle-replacement program is part of CIP and staff will bring detailed replacement recommendations to Thursday’s capital-improvement discussions.