Commission approves $90,000 sole‑source purchase of used BearCat for sheriff

Miss Kim, the county purchasing representative, presented sole‑source procurement SS‑2026‑1 for the sheriff's office and described a 2011 BearCat vehicle offered by the sole manufacturer/distributor. She said the vehicle is intended for critical incidents, including active‑shooter responses, hostage rescues and high‑risk warrant services, and allows personnel to remain protected inside the vehicle if fired upon.

"This is for an armored vehicle for the sheriff's office. It is a 2011 BearCat... The cost of this is $90,000 plus shipping," Miss Kim told commissioners.

Commissioners asked about the need for another armored vehicle when Greene County had previously assisted with such incidents and when the county had disposed of an older armored vehicle in the past. One commissioner said the need to be prepared for rare but high‑risk incidents weighed in favor of approval. The chair confirmed the purchase would come from the sheriff's budget, not general revenue.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve SS‑2026‑1; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the purchase by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will complete procurement paperwork and the sheriff's office will take delivery; commissioners did not direct additional conditions in the meeting record.