Treutlen Board of Commissioners Approve Funds for Sheriff Car Purchase

The Treutlen County Board of Commissioners approved up to $50,000 for the purchase of a new car for the local sheriff’s office during their regular meeting on Aug. 3, despite the reservations of some commissioners.

“I got a phone call from the sheriff last week,” said County Manager Joseph Glenn. “He desperately needs a car, another one.”

According to Glenn, the car would be used by three new deputies to the sheriff’s office, including two part-time officers working the weekends and one full-time officer. Glenn described the deputies as young and “gung-ho,” with the new vehicle as a means of retaining them to the local force.

The sheriff’s budget does not have sufficient funds for the purchase, so Sheriff Thomas Corbin reached out to Glenn.

Commissioner Rodney Meeks voiced concerns about purchasing a car for the sheriff’s office, citing sightings of Treutlen County officers letting their cars run idle while working on interstates and construction zones, as well as trips to other cities and counties.

“It’s hard to approve a new vehicle when we’re putting that wear and tear on our own,” said Meeks.

Other commissioners confirmed the issues had been reported for some time, although it was noted Treutlen officers pay for their own gasoline. Meeks suggested if the county did approve the funds, the sheriff would need to look for a cheaper, gas-saving car.

Commissioner Joey Powell offered sympathy for both sides of the issue, citing his own 20 year law enforcement career and also acknowledging the concerns cited by Meeks.

Ultimately, Commissioner Thalia Gillis offered a motion to approve the funds, which passed unanimously. The funds will come out of the county’s 2019 SPLOST account.

Glenn also requested the board approve LMIG funds for a repavement project for sections of Old Lewisville Rd, as well as the transfer of funds for a similar project from Cascade Circle to Muskogee Rd due to a “higher need.”

“I’m not saying Cascade Circle is not going to be paved, but we’re going to do that one as well,” said Glenn.

Glenn also announced renovations to the Treutlen County Courthouse’s courtroom, replacing the seating with church pews and giving defendants and plaintiffs more room. The renovations will serve as just one of several other improvements to the courthouse completed and in progress, including repairs to the clerk vault, repainted windows and upcoming bathroom and elevator renovations.

“It’s very much going to look like a church,” said Glenn.

The courtroom renovations will be scheduled around set court dates.

Commissioner Powell offered a motion to approve the fund transfer, and Commissioner Gillis offered a motion to approve the funds for Old Lewisville Rd. Both motions passed unanimously.

The board also considered two applications for business licenses. Commissioner Meeks offered a motion to approve one  – which passed unanimously – while the Board elected to table the other due to concerns over the company’s stated address.

Commissioner Gillis offered a motion to approve a reappointment to the Treutlen County Development Authority, which passed unanimously.

The board also rescheduled their next regular board meeting to Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. to avoid a scheduling conflict with Labor Day.