MT. VERNON - The Jefferson County Board approved the lease purchase of a new vehicle for a command staff employee at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The county board approved a resolution giving Sheriff Roger Mulch the authority to sign a contract to obtain one vehicle through a lease/purchase program. The vehicle is meant for Capt. Randy Pollard, whose current squad car is in dire need of replacement, Mulch said.
The vehicle to be obtained will be a high-efficiency Dodge Avenger, Mulch said. Board member Don Rector made a motion to approve the resolution with Tommy Hayes seconding the motion. The resolution passed with 12 yes votes and one no vote by board member Jim Laird. Board members Ted Buck and Fred Edwards were not present at the board meeting to make a vote. In addition, the board discussed the possibility of acquiring additional liability insurance to guard against costly lawsuits. Board Chairman Robert White said several board members had expressed concern about the $5 million in liability insurance the county has and whether that is enough in case of a lawsuit.
White said he couldn’t answer how much liability coverage the county could possibly need, though he said the largest lawsuit the county has paid out is $1.5 million to his knowledge. Board Vice Chairman Wayne Hails recommended to table the issue and kick it back to committee, where options could be discussed more extensively. Board member James Malone seconded the motion, and Jeremy Hall, board member, requested additional information, including exclusions to the policy. Full Story
