Ellsworth County Commissioners were given an update on unfortunate circumstances involving two sheriff ’s office patrol cars Monday during their weekly meeting.

Commissioners were told by Undersheriff Rory Tillett that the engine of a 2023 Dodge Durango patrol car with 33,000 miles on it suddenly failed recently. According to the dealer, the car is no longer under warranty due to an excessive amount of idle hours.

Commissioner Shawn Thomas will call the dealer and get clarification before action is taken.

Tillett said another patrol car, a 2021 model, was hit by a large-framed deer recently, causing substantial damage to the car.

In other business:

• Superintendent of the County Road and Bridge Department Bret Dunlap discussed a brush cutter and skid steer. He will attempt to get the best price on both and report back to the commissioners.

• No action was taken after a 10-minute executive session with Dunlap to discuss nonelected personnel (wages).

• Further information will be sought after EMS Director Nathan Florian expressed issues having to do with LockIT Technologies no longer supporting new equipment.

• Commissioners had a teleconference with officials from the Goldberg Group Architectural firm and Greg Vahrenberg of Raymond James to discuss next steps centering on the legislative process and timing of bond sales. Specifically, the county will seek approval for special legislation from the state specifying the sales tax approved during the Nov. 4 general election will not be shared with surrounding cities. It will only be used by the county for the law enforcement, jail and courthouse purposes stated on the ballot.

• Approval was given to a $1,600 quote from Schneider Tree Service to remove a tree by the jail that split and fell on a car.

The next meeting of the Ellsworth County Commission will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 24 at the county courthouse.