Sheriff and Council to Split Vehicle Equipment Costs

The Starke County Council agreed to split the cost of equipping the three new patrol cars with deer crash bumpers and wiring for radios and lights with Sheriff Oscar Cowen. The “ready for the road” equipment package includes the bumpers, which are designed to protect the radiator and are recommended by the county’s insurance company. The upgrades add an additional $10,668 to the cost for the cars over the amount initially approved for the purchase. Cowen initially asked the county to cover the entire cost but agreed to pay half from his commissary fund. Council members questioned why this cost wasn’t included in the initial bid process and asked Cowen to make sure future quotes cover all factory options.