Commissioners approve budget amendment to buy three inspection vehicles from permitting revenue

The Scotland County Board of Commissioners voted on Feb. 2 to amend the FY25–26 budget to purchase three replacement vehicles for the inspections department, funded from above-budget permitting revenue.

Managerial staff reported inspections had collected more than $600,000 in permitting revenue this year—approximately $200,000 over what was budgeted—and proposed a budget amendment to buy three Chevrolet Colorados quoted at about $38,006.77 each. The stated rationale was that replacing those vehicles now would allow older county vehicles to be reallocated to other departments and avoid three separate purchases in next year’s budget.

A motion to amend the budget and proceed with the purchases was made and seconded; the board signaled approval during the meeting. Staff said the purchases will follow state purchasing rules and that vehicles are basic models intended for field inspections. No further appropriation details were presented at the meeting; staff will return with formal budget-amendment paperwork.