(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Department will be getting a new patrol car.

At the request of Sheriff John Merchant, the Brown County Commission Monday approved the purchase of a 2019 Ford Taurus from Hiawatha Ford in the amount of $22,150 with the trade-in of a 2013 Ford sedan with 146,000 miles.

The Commission also give Merchant approval to seek sealed bids on two surplus vehicles.  They include a 2002 Dodge Durango with more than 154,000 miles and a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria with more than 138,000 miles.

Sealed bids will be accepted until noon, October 26 and will be opened at the Commission’s October 31 meeting.

In addition, at the request of Merchant, the Commission approved a  $1 an hour pay increase for sheriff’s office employee Brittany Pagnano from $18 to $19 an hour for taking on additional tasks. 

In other business, the Commission accepted the lone bid submitted Jacques Muller for the purchase of a county-owned 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan in the amount of $912.