Village approves new patrol unit

FORT SUMNER — The village council, meeting in regular session March 8, approved a resolution for the De Baca County Sheriff’s Department to use Law Enforcement Protection Funds to purchase a new patrol unit through a program with the New Mexico Finance Authority.

Lt. Mike Gauna said the DBSO seeks to purchase a fully-equipped Dodge Ram 1500 pickup at a cost of $49,622 on state contract. Base price for the truck is $29,695, with the additional $19,927 for equipment, including cameras and emergency lights.

Under the Finance Authority program, the DBSO will spend $12,500 per year from its Law Enforcement Protection Fund distribution over a four-year period to pay for the truck without interest being charged.

The payout plan allows the sheriff’s office to retain $8,100 per year in LEPF funds for training, equipment needs, etc.

The DBSO received approval earlier on March 8 to purchase another unit in a similar agreement with the De Baca County Commission.