SUBJECT
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Request Board approve a transfer from reserves to the Sheriff’s Budget for the purchase of a Kodiak fixed wing aircraft and imaging system. (Up to $5,000,000 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) currently utilizes a Cessna 182 fix wing aircraft without any imaging affixed for surveillance. As the county has grown, new obstacles have become apparent that are hindering surveillance operations, including Amazon flights arriving at Lakeland Linder Airport. These large commercial aircraft approach at approximately 2000 feet which is the ideal altitude to conduct surveillance with an aircraft without an imaging system. There are several incidents where surveillance has been abandoned because of this issue. An aircraft like the Kodiak, with imaging, will allow PCSO to conduct continuous surveillance in an area much longer and with better results in response to criminal activity.
Another challenge is transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel to other jurisdictions for disaster deployments. The current weight restrictions on the Cessna 182 limit the ability to provide all the equipment and supplies that are needed during these incidents. This new aircraft can carry more weight and has the unique capability of short landings and takeoffs, which can provide better assistance to members that have been deployed to disaster areas in rural locations.
The PCSO has evaluated purchase options for both new and used Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 aircrafts. Used aircrafts sell fast, but provide the best pricing opportunities, which may save between $500-700k compared to the cost of a new Kodiak 100 aircraft. PCSO is seeking Board approval to earmark $2.5 million of their returned FY 2023 budget funds to their Aviation Reserves account. They are also requesting Board approval to access up to $5 million from their aviation reserves to purchase an aircraft that will meet these discussed needs. The PCSO is currently looking at a used aircraft that would be well below the $5 million if negotiations go as planned. Payment will be made to the Sheriff based on the negotiated cost of the pane and imaging system. The current Cessna 182 aircraft will be sold at auction and the proceeds returned to the Board.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve a transfer from reserves to the Sheriff’s Budget for the purchase of a Kodiak fixed wing aircraft and imaging system.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the General Fund Reserves in the amount of $2.5 million in the General Fund Sheriff Aircraft Reserve and the other $2.5 million in the General Fund Reserves for Budget Stabilization. The Reserves for Budget Stabilization will be replenished, during the FY 24/25 budget process, with $2.5 million of the Sheriff’s FY 22/23 return, as requested in the Sheriff’s return letter dated October 31, 2023. The $5 million will be transferred from the reserve accounts into a Board account of the Sheriff that can be utilized to pay the negotiated costs for the aircraft and imaging system.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Andria McDonald, M.Acc., CPA
Executive Director, Office of Business Affairs
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
amcdonald@polksheriff.org
Office: 863-298-6604