Johnston can’t make interception
Mono Supes spend big bucks on police vehicles.
The consent item on the Mono County Board of Supervisors agenda concerning new vehicles for the Sheriff’s department was pulled for discussion by Supervisor Larry Johnston, even though the cars have already been ordered and currently being painted with Mono County insignia.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Department was approved to purchase five new Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles at a cost not to exceed $320,000. The department asked to spend out of its own budget, an additional $7,197.98 to cover the cost of radio extenders bringing the total price to $322,872.69 and extend the cost not to exceed $323,000.
The cars have been ordered but Johnston said he still didn’t understand the justification of spending extra on such big vehicles. The department had been utilizing the Ford Interceptor for years, but the vehicle is not rugged or tough enough to handle Mono County conditions, according to Sheriff Ingrid Braun and Undersheriff Michael Moriarty. The Interceptor’s price tag is about $35,000 compared to the $60,000 for a Tahoe and approximately $50,000 a year in maintenance. However, the way cars are being purchased has changed. Purchase price now includes both maintenance and the cost of the vehicle, when in the past the purchase of the vehicle and maintenance were both separate budget items.
Johnston said nearly every department in the county says the vehicles it has are not made for Mono County and when will the line be drawn. Johnston said it just doesn’t make sense to spend the extra money.
Supervisor Stacy Corless said the purchase creates more accountablility and reliability for the department and she supports the purchase as it is a public safety issue.
“I would hate to have to go to a family and tell them we couldn’t help them because we’re trying to save money or be more eco-friendly,” Supervisor Tim Alpers said. He added that he has been on the scene of major accidents and access to the scene was imperative in delivering life-saving services.
Johnston was about to say something more when Corless quickly made a motion to accept the Sheriff’s request and the board agreed, 4 to 1, Johnston the nay vote.
One department head was overheard saying the new vehicles will likely be fodder at upcoming budget hearings.
