Commission approves vehicle bid awards and purchase of radios for sheriff fleet

Marshall County commissioners on Jan. 14 approved several procurement actions covering new fleet vehicles and radios for law enforcement.

Engineering staff recommended awarding bid 29‑25 for one or more 2026 GMC Sierra crew cab trucks to Howard Bentley (low bid noted at $55,900), award of bid 30‑25 for 2026 Chevrolet Silverado work trucks to Donahue Chevrolet (4‑wheel‑drive option, $43,777.06) with rejection of higher 2‑wheel‑drive bids, and award of bid 31‑25 for 2026 Chevrolet Tahoes (or equivalent) splitting awards between Landers McLarty (2‑wheel drive, $61,290) and Donahue Chevrolet (4‑wheel drive, $64,787.06) depending on the specification. Commissioners approved the recommended awards and noted bids are valid for one year.

Separately, the sheriff’s office requested purchase of P25 radios for 10 new Tahoes. Staff said the radios were procured off a state bid list at a total cost of $54,106.80 from the equipment replacement fund. Discussion on supply‑chain delays referenced prior chip shortages but staff said turnaround times are now roughly four to six weeks.

All procurement motions were approved on the record. Commissioners asked departments to coordinate with engineering on specifications before purchasing and were reminded that state bid options remain available.