craigdailypress.com

The Moffat County Sheriff's Office received the go-ahead from the county commissioners on Tuesday to purchase five new patrol vehicles.

A bid was accepted from Craig Ford to order five Expeditions for a low bid of $122,020 at Tuesday's Moffat County Board of Commissoners' meeting.

With a dealer trade-in allowance of $22,400 for five vehicles-- the highest amount of the three offers received -- the county's total cost is $99,620.

Sheriff Tim Jantz explained that hours were spent debating the department's needs and requirements.

"Smaller vehicles need more maintenance because they are driven harder," he told the commissoners. "We're looking for vehicles that can transport people, while hauling all the gear we require deputies to carry."

Jantz said gas mileage was a consideration, but all the vehicles in the bid process were comparable in that area.

The lack of a column shifter eliminated the Chevrolet Trailblazer from meeting the minimum requirements set by the county because radio-equipment needs to be mounted between the driver's and passenger's seats in sheriff's vehicles.

Sheriff's Office Sgt. K.C. Hume agreed with the decision to purchase sport-utility vehicles rather than pick-up trucks.

"The ability to install a cage between the back seat and the county employees is important for safety concerns," he said.

In other business, the commissioners signed a resolution to temporarily close Moffat County Road 161 for maintenance.

The road lies between the town of Dinosaur's water storage tank and the town itself. The pipeline to the town has been leaking and is need of repair.

Commissioners agreed to close the road for two weeks, or until repairs are completed.

No residences are located north of the repair area, and shutting down the roads will not affect the public, officials said.

Dan Olsen can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207, or dolsen@craigdailypress.com.