Barton County Sheriff’s Office will be purchasing four patrol vehicles from a Hoisington firm and will be operating some new models they haven’t used before. The purchase, which came in over $80,000, was approved by the Barton County Commission this week.
The Sheriff’s Office will purchase three patrol cars and an SUV for its K-9 officer, from Manweiler Chevrolet.
They will include three Chevrolet Impalas, which Undersheriff Larry Holliday noted is a first for the department.
The Impalas are now available with a “police package,” which includes special equipment — better cooling system, stronger suspension and an electrical system that can use the special lights, sirens and other electronic equipment.
Three Impalas will be bought for $54,436.
And the department will buy a Chevrolet SUV for $21,969.30.
The total on the vehicles was $76,405.30.
Also there will be $9,042 in incidentals that have to be added to the vehicles.
Also this week, the commissioners approved the purchase of a power broom for the Road and Bridge Department for a cost of $41,979.
This will be added to the road construction fleet and will allow work to continue at a higher speed.
Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips noted the need for a third power broom has been there for some time, as the department continues to keep up with its road work.