New car ordered for Marion County sheriff s office
Marion County Sheriff's Department will be getting a new patrol car to replace a vehicle that was wrecked a few weeks ago.
The decision Monday to purchase a 2006 Chevrolet Impala from Irv Schroeder County Motors, Inc. of Hillsboro for $19,747, instead of a used car was a result of a lengthy discussion between Sheriff Lee Becker and Marion County Commission.
Previously, the county had individually purchased three used Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars from Kansas Highway Patrol. Becker reminded the commission that the used vehicles, typically purchased for $13,000 to $15,000 each, were without warranties and transmissions were replaced in all three after being driven during a period of time.
County commissioner Randy Dallke said he would like to see the county purchase vehicles from county dealerships.
"We've got three car dealers in our county who support us," said Dallke. "I'd like to see those car dealerships stay (in business) in the county."
Other bids were $21,487 for a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria from Hillsboro Ford-Mercury, and $24,186 for a 2006 Dodge Charger from Wright's Chrylser, Dodge, Jeep, also of Hillsboro. The price quotes included police packages.
Becker reported the insurance company had settled the accident claim for the wrecked patrol car for $7,981, which also included the replacement of a rifle and the removal and installation of radio equipment. The county also received $850 for another wrecked patrol car that recently was sold in auction through Markley Service of Marion.
However, Becker said he did not have the funds in his budget to purchase another vehicle — new or used. He also was concerned about his budget during holiday pay periods. He reminded the commission that law enforcement employees receive regular pay for holidays plus holiday pay when they work.
There is $60,000 earmarked for vehicles in the sheriff's department 2006 budget, Becker said.
Holub said money was tight this year for the county and preferred to wait until next year to purchase vehicles.
Dallke said he wanted to see the sheriff's department purchase at least one new vehicle per year. Becker said the department had been purchasing two per year but they weren't always new.
Dallke then made a motion to use 2005 sales tax funds to purchase one new vehicle from the county Chevrolet dealership. Holub seconded the motion. Commission Chairman Bob Hein abstained from the motion since he is an employee of the Chevrolet dealership.
The car will not be delivered for 90-120 days.
Also in the discussion mix was the need to make decisions regarding future vehicle purchases for the department.
Prior to the bids being opened and the decision being made regarding a new car, Doug Wright of Wright's Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep of Hillsboro, asked the commission if it was considering the purchase of a new or used vehicle.
He also had concerns about delivery of a Charger with the police package because it would probably take four months for delivery.
"I know I'm the high bidder," said Wright, and when the bids were opened, he was correct.
He took the opportunity to explain to the commission the differences between the Charger and other police cruisers.
Becker said Kansas Highway Patrol was ordering this model of car. Hillsboro Police Department also has one ordered, said Wright.
The commission agreed it was a quality vehicle but couldn't make a decision regarding those purchases until 2006.
The sheriff's department currently has eight vehicles with six that each have 150,000 miles or more.
The commission will hold the three bids and review in 2006 for future purchases. The bids were good for 30 days. Like Irv Schroeder County Motors, Hillsboro Ford Mercury had a 90-120-day delivery timeline.
