Henry County upgrades fleet using state contract

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of ten 2018 Ford Taurus pursuit sedans and four new 15-passenger vehicles to meet operational needs for fleet replacement for Sheriff’s Office and Parks & Recreation/Community Service Departments.

These are being purchased from Wade Ford of Smyrna through a state contract that allows local governments to make such purchases without bidding them out. The cost is $351,720. Using the same method, the county is purchasing seven 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for $234,654. Commissioner Gary Barham voted against both purchases and Commissioner Dee Clemmons voted against the second one, with Barham expressing concerns about local dealers not being considered and Clemmons saying she felt the bidding process is not “inclusive.”