Sheriff’s request for put on hold pending new funding source
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team 2006 Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle is shown at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Sheriff Billy Woods is trying to find funding so that the Sheriff’s Office can buy a new, upgraded Bearcat for the SWAT Team to use. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team 2006 Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle is shown at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Sheriff Billy Woods is trying to find funding so that the Sheriff’s Office can buy a new, upgraded Bearcat for the SWAT Team to use. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.
In a letter to the MCBOCC dated October 28, 2021, Woods outlined a plan to return a total of $686,424 of unused funds from the 2020-2021 budget along with a request to use the returned money towards purchasing a BearCat armored vehicle and remodel and expansion plans for the sheriff’s operation building.
During a discussion on the matter, Commissioner Jeff Gold stated, “I would totally support that vehicle purchase…but I think it could come out of the [penny} sales tax.”
Commissioner Kathy Bryant agreed.
“The board is not in any way, shape or form saying that this purchase is not necessary, we’re just trying to make sure it’s funded from the appropriate source,” she said.
According to Woods’ letter, there is a need for the SWAT team to have a new BearCat to replace the older model that has been in service for 16 years.
“The updated BearCat will be on a more heavy-duty chassis and will provide better reliability. It has updated design and technology that will help provide improved safety for SWAT team members,” he wrote.
The sheriff indicated that the purchase of the BearCat had previously been pulled as a priority for funding from the penny sales tax revenue and cost $350,000.
Audrey Fowler, budget director for the Marion County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, noted during the meeting that there was an excess of $550,000 above projections from the penny sales tax and it would be possible to fund the new purchase from those funds.
County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes indicated he was still reviewing the five-year penny sales tax budget and could consult with the sheriff about adding the purchase if the board so chose.
Support community journalism
The first goal of the Ocala Gazette is to deliver trustworthy local journalism so corruption, misinformation and abuse are not hidden from the public or unchallenged.
