Commission approves $90,000 sole‑source purchase of armored vehicle for sheriff's office

The Christian County Commission on May 7 approved a sole‑source procurement (SS2026‑1) for a 2011 Lenco BearCat armored vehicle for the sheriff’s office at a cost of $90,000 plus shipping.

Purchasing staff said the vendor is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the model and that the vehicle is low‑mileage; the sheriff has signed the purchase document and the cost will be paid from the sheriff’s budget rather than general county revenue. “The vehicle will be used during critical incidents including domestic violence calls involving an armed offender, active‑shooter incidents, hostage rescues and preplanned high‑risk missions,” staff said.

Commissioners discussed whether the purchase was necessary given the availability of a nearby armored vehicle in Greene County and the county’s earlier sale of a similar vehicle. One commissioner said the odds of needing two vehicles simultaneously are low but agreed the county should equip law enforcement for safety. Commissioners noted newer armored vehicles can cost several hundred thousand dollars, and the approved 2011 unit represented a lower‑cost option.

A motion to approve the sole‑source request was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The commission’s minutes show no named roll‑call votes in the transcript; staff said the purchase met the county’s single‑feasible‑source criteria and had been posted on the county purchasing website and advertised for 10 days.