Wetzel County Sheriff James Hoskins met with the Wetzel County Commission during their March 13 meeting to seek guidance and permission from the county to move forward with purchasing a new police vehicle, and also to request additional funds to cover maintenance and overtime costs.

While he was still waiting at that time to hear back regarding price quotes from a few entities, Hoskins noted a Ford Explorer, the vehicle desired, was available on a state bid for $25,518. Hoskins shared that the Explorers are more compact but sit higher and actually have more space; they also have four-wheel drive. Additionally, it will cost around $10,000 to fully equip the vehicle.

The sheriff said he planned to also contact Country Roads Ford in New Martinsville to see about what was available, as both the department and the commissioners would like to purchase the vehicle locally if at all possible.

After some discussion, the commission made a motion to give Sheriff Hoskins the authority to purchase the necessary vehicle for his department and invoice the commission.

Furthermore, in efforts to acquire the vehicle from a local dealership, the commission agreed on a 10 percent leeway from the state’s bid. However, Country Roads Ford was unable to meet that price.

In another matter, Hoskins shared with the commission that due to increased criminal activity, the auto maintenance and overtime line items were running low. Furthermore, given the warmer weather Hoskins said he believed there’d be an even bigger increase in such activity. Hoskins said roughly $4,000 added to both items would help a great deal. “The main concern is public safety,” Hoskins added.

Along those lines Hoskins also asked the commission whether or not he should interview and hire a new deputy as soon as possible to help cut down on the overtime costs.

Noting that four individuals have tested and are qualified for hire, the commission agreed on May 1 as the new hire date. Additionally, the commission moved to give the sheriff an extra $8,000 to supplement the costs of auto maintenance and overtime. The allotted money will be taken from the county’s contingency fund.