BOCC approves new truck for SCSO

WALLACE — The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office is set to get some new wheels after the Board of County Commissioners recently approved the purchase of a new truck.

In a meeting with the commissioners Tuesday morning, Sheriff Mike Gunderson requested a 2022 RAM 1500 four-door tradesmen to be added to the approximately 20-vehicle fleet.

The bottom line between choosing a vehicle for SCSO can often come to a cost difference. Not only looking at the main price of the vehicle, but also looking at accessories that are needed and maintaining the vehicle.

“This is something that we need to find in the budget and make it happen,” Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald said.

Previously, SCSO has had good luck leasing vehicles for five years, then selling them and having money go back into the general fund. With used cars being more expensive than newer vehicles though, this is no longer the case.

An important factor for both Gunderson and the commissioners when looking into vehicles is staying local.

“I like local,” he said. “It’s just not as cost effective to have maintenance done over the hill and then driven back,” said Commissioner Jay Huber.

“I’m also a fan of local,” Commissioner John Hansen said, “It helps with warranty work as well.”

Buying a new vehicle can be an expensive item to add to the budget, but as Fitzgerald said, there is an understanding that one must sometimes “bite the bullet, because you are moving backwards if you don’t.”

The fleet currently has an approximation of nine Dodge Chargers and eight Dodge Durangos. The Silver Valley requires SCSO to have heavy-duty vehicles, as they often need to travel to remote, mountainous areas to assist those in need. In a pinch, deputies are sometimes required to use their personal vehicles to add to the fleet.

“I looked at every option. I don’t have a problem putting my own vehicle into the fleet,” Gunderson told the News-Press. “That’s hard for me, because I'm not your typical Sheriff. I’m also active. If push came to shove, and there is a way to keep a vehicle into the fleet, I would.”

BOCC approved the motion for the new truck and will work within the existing budget to the best of their extent.