Sheriff, commission discuss vehicles, dept. expenses
Staff reporter
Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker told Marion County Commission Monday a sheriff's department vehicle needed a transmission replaced. The cost for a rebuilt transmission for the 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck is $2,500. The truck has 137,000 miles.
Becker presented a list of the sheriff's office vehicles to the commission. The vehicles are: 2002 Ford Explorer, 50,558 miles; 2001 Ford F-150 pickup, 52,500 miles; 2001 Ford F-150 pickup, 100,000 miles; 2000 Chevrolet Impala, 123,390 miles; 2000 Chevrolet Impala, 147,527 miles; 1998 Ford Ranger pickup, 137,000 miles; 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, 138,866 miles; and 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 167,000 miles.
The department averages 3,000 to 4,000 miles per month.
Becker said the Ford Ranger pickup has been inoperable for more than a week. The commission and Becker discussed the value of the pickup truck.
Becker also presented information about a newer vehicle through the Kansas Highway Patrol Fleet Sales.
A list of three cars, all Ford Crown Victoria Model 71 police interceptors, and three pickups was given to the commission.
The cars ranged from a 2001 for $11,500 to a 2003 for $14,990. The cars have 50,000 miles or less.
The trucks ranged from a 2001 Dodge Ram SLT Club Cab 4x4 pickup with 70,000 miles or less for $14,275 to a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab 4x4 pickup with 90,000 miles or less for $18,300. Both trucks included a locking fiberglass bed cover.
In a few months, Becker thought he'd have a better idea of the condition of his budget.
"Don't bother looking in my budget for the money," said Becker, "because I don't have it."
Becker and the commission projected the sheriff's department budget will be over by a minimum of $20,000 in 2004, before any unexpected expenses occur.
"I've taken my total budget for the year and have divided it by 12," said Becker, "to determine what I can spend each month."
Looking for ways to cut his department's expenses and increase its revenue, Becker asked if the sheriff's office could get a lower rate for the county's ambulance service.
"An ambulance was called for a prisoner," said Becker. "Could the sheriff's office get the Medicaid rate?"
Commissioners discussed the options of free services from one county office to another and the impact it would have on the ambulance department's budget.
Decisions regarding vehicles and ambulance charges were deferred to the next commission meeting, which is 9 a.m. Friday.
Becker made contact with the county's auditor and asked if his reimbursements can be credited back to his department's budget.
Carol Maggard, county clerk, explained to the commission how revenue is budgeted. If the projected amount of revenue is surpassed, the department will receive a budget credit.
"You have to look at the whole budget when it comes to revenue," said Maggard.
The contract with the Army Corps of Engineers was discussed.
Becker asked if the $45 per day charge for inmates applied to cities. Maggard will research and give Becker an answer.
Total inmates booked in Marion County Jail in 2003 were 445, 350 males and 95 females.
