The Crawford County Sheriff’s department is looking to continue its rotation of patrol vehicles.
This year, the department is trying to recycle four vehicles with over 100,000 miles for four new 4-wheel drive trucks.
“Unfortunately, 4-wheel drive vehicles have become a necessity,” said Undersheriff Dan Peak. “With winter weather and flooding, they have been integral in our fleet.”
The department is looking to trade in three Crown Victoria cars and one Chevrolet truck — all with over 100,000 miles on them for four new 2010 crew cab trucks.
“Once we start getting into the 100,000-mile range, we start nickel and diming the vehicles,” Peak said.
The county received two separate bids for new trucks — one from Molle MC of Frontenac and another from Pittsburg Ford. The difference in bids was around $12,000 total, factoring in price of the new vehicles and trade-in value.
The Molle MC bid came in at $106,108 with each truck costing $29,902 with a trade-in allowance of $13,500 for each vehicle. Pittsburg Ford’s bid allowed for a new truck price of $26,406 each and trade-in value of $11,000 for each of the department’s older vehicles.
Peak said that the Sheriff’s department is now in the process of working with County Counselor Jim Emerson to let for bid a lease/purchase agreement with a local bank.
By trading in used vehicles every four years, County Commissioners agreed that it was best for both the county and for the Sheriff’s department.
“This is a good thing because we need to make sure we have good equipment on the road,” said Commissioner Ralph McGeorge.
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
