Sheriff's Response to Claims Made in the Courier

Dear Editor,

This letter is in response to Valley County Sheriff Candidate Joe Horn’s statement that the Valley County Sheriff’s offfice is wasting taxpayer money by purchasing new vehicles. Valley County has established a fleet rate through one of the local car dealerships, therefore most years it has been cheaper to purchase new vehicles.

When the quotes for the used vehicles have been less, it has been more cost effective to purchase a new vehicle with a full warranty. Also, the new vehicles being purchased are more suitable for law enforcement because they are utility or police package vehicles: vinyl seats, no floor carpet and no center console. The Valley County Sheriff’s Office normally uses a vehicle until it has 150,000 or more miles. The vehicle is then turned over to various other county departments for their use.

If anyone has any questions, please contact me at 406-228-6278.