SCBC could rescind recent bid award tonight during meeting

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will consider a motion to rescind an award bid for two vehicles for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office during its regular scheduled meeting tonight.

The board had originally awarded the bid to Mike Jones Ford for the purchase of two 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans at $21,823.68 per unit; however, Ford announced earlier this year that they would be discontinuing the production of these vehicles in March 2019.

In an article published by Government Fleet Magazine, Ford’s decision comes in response to the declining popularity of passenger cars in favor of utility vehicles and trucks.

Which is similar to the decision Chevrolet made in 2017 to discontinue its Caprice model.

Ford has announced they would continue to offer its Police Responder Hybrid Sedan for fleets interested in sedans; however, Stephens County is looking elsewhere to maintain its fleet.

Tonight, the board will consider a motion to award the bid from Ed Murdock Superstore for the purchase of two Dodge Chargers in the amount of $23,512 per unit.

If approved, the Chargers will be paid for out of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. inside the Stephens County Historical Courthouse Courtroom.

The meeting is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

For questions regarding tonight’s meeting, contact Stephens County Clerk Beth Rider at 706-898-5750.