Benton County looks at armored vehicle

VINTON — The Benton County Sheriff’s Offices outlined uses for an armored vehicle in Benton County during the Oct. 8 meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors.

Josh Karsten, patrol supervisor in the sheriff’s office, asked for funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Supervisors approved the request for the vehicle and tabled action on other requests.

County funding will not be used for the vehicle.

The price for the Lenco Bearcat G3 is $348,698 with add-ons, Karsten said. Throughout the state there are at least 23 armored vehicles built for rural terrain that would restrict most vehicles, said Karsten.

It is not considered a SWAT vehicle. It’s used for high risk calls, said Karsten.

Recent high risk calls included a standoff on Highway 30 and a barricaded person in Norway. Linn County helped Benton County with their Bearcats during those incidences.

The vehicles can also help with crowd and riot patrol and with search and rescue, humanitarian aid, rescue and hauling food and water, said Karsten. It can also be used for evacuation.

The vehicle provides better response in bad weather and should last for 25 years, Karsten said.

The vehicle should arrive in December 2025. The supervisors talked about how this might be used by surrounding counties when needed.

Sheriff’s officials explained how the vehicle will be used differently than the current Rescue 6 emergency vehicle.

“I just don’t want to see this as the latest and greatest toy,” said Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer.

In public comments, a citizen called in about the armored vehicle, feeling there was not a need for it.

Primmer said though the Benton County taxpayers are not paying for it, it will become a Benton County expense.

Other business

The board approved the ARPA Committee’s recommendations for allocation funds for approved projects.

The board approved hiring part-time transportation driver Brad Stainbrook at $16.04/hour.

The board approved hiring Sarah Reiss for the sheriff’s office. She will start Oct. 17.

Rick Grimm said the Iowa Department of Transportation will make a study of the speed limit at 64th St. There are plans to move the “no passing” signs.

Grimm said recycling at the county shed is heavy, and he thinks some people use it as a dump site and throw things on the ground when it’s full.

Grimm asked about employees using county tools for personal use. Supervisors will have the handbook committee look into it, they said.

The board approved a resolution removing the bridge embargo for bridge on 16th Ave. in Cedar Township and signed a plan for bridge replacement there.