Scott County Sheriff department avoids repossession of vehicles during heated council meeting

SCOTT COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) — During a contentious meeting Tuesday evening, the Scott County Council found the money to avoid the repossession of three sheriff vehicles.

This comes after days of back and forth after the county failed to make the latest annual payment of $33,000 on a loan Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin took out for the three new vehicles. The vehicles won't be repossessed; however, there is a late fee that has be to paid.

"They made the mistake, they can pony up and pay that out of their County Council salary," said Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin, suggesting members of the council should pay the late fee from their salaries. 

The council led by new president JR Ward did not take responsibility for the near repossession of the three sheriff vehicles.

During a heated exchange between the pair, Ward said "you never sat in front of us and asked for these trucks to be paid for."

"Yes I have," Sheriff Goodin replied.

Ward, sensing the meeting was getting out of hand, said "hold on, hold on, this is our meeting."

Sheriff Goodin replied, "you are not going to belittle me in front of people."

WDRB did some digging through old Scott County Council meeting videos, and found Sheriff Goodin had indeed gone in front of the commissioner asking for payment for the trucks.

"As long as the truth is told," said Sheriff Goodin.

"We can disagree with the facts, that is not wrong to disagree," Ward said. "And the truth of the matter is there was money on a line item on a budget worksheet, which I have, but there was not a line set for debt service to Ford motor credit," said Ward.

Outside of the meeting, Sheriff Goodin insisted the council knew about the debt and had approved one payment and for some reason decided not to make the second.

"But what really bothers me and should bother the public the most is they are willing to make up any lie to try and protect themselves," Sheriff Goodin said. "We have got the documentation, I have shown it, you seen what happen."

During the meeting, the council did agree to take out a loan from a local bank with a lower interest rate to pay off the $143,000 loan from Ford.

Related Story:

• Scott County sheriff says deputy vehicles may be repossessed, blames lack of funding from council

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