Commissioners authorize repairs for newer hail‑damaged county vehicles amid $380,000 estimate

Commissioners voted July 6 to repair county vehicles from model years 2024 through 2026 that were damaged in recent hailstorms and to address safety-related issues such as windshields and windows.

A vendor working with the county and the insurer reported that initial damage estimates near $200,000 were revised after more detailed inspections to an estimate “just shy of 380” (roughly $380,000) for about 63 vehicles; the insurer’s payment will be reduced by a deductible of $2,500 per vehicle. The vendor said he would attempt to offset part of the deductible by covering amounts from his profit margin on repairs, which could reduce the county’s up-front cost for some vehicles.

Captain McCoy of the sheriff’s department assisted with inspecting vehicles and coordinating with the vendor and insurers, the board heard. Commissioners discussed prioritizing repairs for county fleet vehicles and especially sheriff’s vehicles, and agreed to repair 2024–2026 vehicles plus any items that affect safety or operation.

Commissioner Polling moved and Commissioner Stewart seconded a motion to repair hail‑damaged county vehicles for 2024–2026 model years and to address safety-related damage; the motion carried on a voice vote. Commissioners instructed staff to consult the county attorney on use of any insurance proceeds and to consider using some proceeds toward replacement vehicles if appropriate.

Officials emphasized that the $380,000 figure is an estimate of total damage and does not equal the county’s net recovery, because per-vehicle deductibles and claim adjustments will apply.