Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sheriff's Office to buy patrol cars

The Nevada County Sheriffs Office will have four new vehicles. The decision to purchase the cars was among the actions taken by the Nevada County Quorum Court June 11.

Were in bad shape, Nevada County Sheriff Bobby Carlton told members of the court. This is our opportunity to get four vehicles, brand new.

Carlton recommended that the justices of the peace obtain the cars through a lease-purchase agreement. The total price for the four cars is $102,000 and they are completely equipped for police use.

The condition of the countys law enforcement cars has been up for discussion for months. JPs have expressed concern that the older cars may not be reliable in emergency situations.

Under questioning from the JPs, Carlton said he has a plan for future replacement so that the county doesnt face the need to replace the entire fleet at one time.

JP Mike Otwell asked Carlton if he also had a plan in place for maintenance of the vehicles and for overseeing that officers are taking care of their assigned vehicles.

If they dont take care of them, Ive got an old Chevrolet they can drive, Carlton answered.

Citing the increase in fines this year, JPs agreed that the budget could be adjusted to pay for the vehicles. Carlton said hes expects to spend about $16,000 this year for maintenance, and JP Myrna Watters pointed out that the cost of maintenance is almost as much as the required payment on the new vehicles. Carlton said the cars will be fully warranted.

There was no date set for delivery of the cars.

In other business, the justices briefly discussed the Nevada County Jails financial situation with regard to inmate medical expenses. Those expenses have risen dramatically over recent years and Carlton asked JPs to help find a way to lessen the impact on the countys budgets. A committee has been formed to look into the issue. Members of that committee reported that they hadnt had a chance to formally meet but assured the court that theyre looking into options - including working with a local physician or nurse practitioner.

The sheriffs office was the topic of another piece of county business as JPs voted to establish an account for donations received by the NCSO. Carlton said several area businesses have made donations, and that theres no mechanism in place for accepting and using that money.

County Attorney Dana Stone presented JPs with an ordinance setting up the account and calling for members of the quorum court to oversee its use. The ordinance allows the money to be used for almost any purpose related to the NCSO.