Lenoir County Commissioners settle dispute between sheriff and county manager in armored vehicle purchase

Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram and the Lenoir County Manager Michael James were unable to come to a consensus on how to purchase an armored vehicle for the county. Previously the county voted to approve the purchase with the understanding that the county manager and the sheriff would work together figuring out how to pay for it.

The recommendation of the county manager was to fund the $324,000 purchase split between forfeiture funds and from the American Rescue Plan funds.

“I think there was a discussion between the sheriff and the county manager that never got clear,” said Commissioner Roland Best. “They were going to work it out but never came to a conclusion.”

Forfeiture funds are sums of money created by the Justice Department from seizures of the proceeds of criminal activity, the amount varies year over year.

“I am not in agreement of using forfeiture funds,” said Ingram who discussed how his office turned back in $964,009 during the 2020-2021 from forfeiture funds.

Commissioner Chad Rouse asked Ingram what he used forfeiture funds for. Ingram responded by saying rifles were purchased, handcuffs, and a mobile command center.

“I have to support the county manager even though I support the sheriff’s department,” said Commissioner June Cummings. “This is something we’ve asked him to deal with, and he’s done that.”

Cummings then made a motion to approve the county manager’s proposal to purchase the vehicle using forfeiture funds and the American Rescue Plan funds.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner Preston Harris, “We’re trying to make our money from Lenoir County tax base as efficient as possible to reach all of our Lenoir County citizens. If we’re trying to pay for the vehicle without using tax payer money I support it, and second it.”

The vote passed with Commissioner Rouse voting against the motion.