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Sheriff Goods Urges for More Vehicles to Support County Operations
The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department is currently functioning with three vehicles in operable condition, according to Sheriff Edward Goods.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department is currently functioning with three vehicles in operable condition, according to Sheriff Edward Goods.
Claiborne County Board Meeting on Vehicles
At a contentious meeting of the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Edward Goods pleaded with the supervisors to fund more vehicles for his department. Some supervisors resisted, citing budget concerns and upcoming plans to supply more vehicles.
Supervisor Hudson pointed out the county was under budget 83.2%.
“But even with us moving the money where it needs to be, we are still under budget,” noted Hudson.
Another supervisor questioned Hudson, asking “Where is the money going to come from?”
Hudson responded, “It’s already there. It’s already in the budget.”
Sheriff Goods spoke up, saying, “We literally don’t have but three cars.”
Supervisor Chambliss immediately responded, “I saw more than three cars at Hermanville.”
“Reliable cars. My officers decided to get in a car with no air. They decided to get into a car that the motor is knocking. They decided to come to work and get into something that was unsafe. Why are we even discussing this?!” said Sheriff Goods.
Supervisor Chambliss responded that if the county was agreeing to buy him four cars and he has four cars that is eight cars.
Goods tried to respond,, “We do not…”
However, Chamblis spoke over him saying, this year is practically gone. “If we could revisit this next year, it will allow us the opportunity to help these other departments get what they want as well.”
Sheriff Goods responded, “I honestly didn’t come here today thinking there was going to be a discussion. I don’t want to use what happened the other night as a talking point,” referring to the shooting death of Deputy Bailey. As his voice broke, he said, “I’m not. Why are we even having this discussion?”
Raising his voice, he all but yells, “I NEED EIGHT CARS! I need more than eight. Why are we even having this discussion? I don’t want to do this today.”
Sheriff Goods, joined by his deputies, then walked out of the meeting.
“It doesn’t make sense,” said Supervisor Dorsey as Goods and his deputies were leaving the room.
After their departure, in the hallway outside the Board room, a person could be heard screaming in anger.
As he was leaving, one of the deputies approached the podium asking to speak.
Deputy Yates Addresses Vehicle Safety
“I’m Deputy Ricardo Yates.” He proceeded to speak about serving the community in their current vehicles.
“Everytime we go at an accelerated rate to save someone in this county, we are risking our lives just getting there. We turn our wheels, it pops. Okay? Record breaking numbers of temperature, wearing them hots. The Sheriff still has to have us come out there, but we’re asking a question. ‘Why are you putting us out there in these ridiculous cars?'” said Yates.
Continuing to address the Board, he said, “I’m asking you to assist us in assisting you.”
After another 20 or more minutes of back-and-forth between the Supervisors, the ending result of the conversation was that the Sheriff’s Department wasn’t getting any more vehicles today from the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Hudson then said, “I’d like to make a motion that I turn over my county vehicle to the Sheriff’s department.”
The motion sparked spontaneous applause from observers in the room. Supervisor Dorsey also asked that his vehicle be turned over to the Sheriff. The motion passed unanimously.
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