By spring there will be three new vehicles in the cruiser fleet for Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

At its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday the Lawrence County Commissioners approved the purchase of two 2011 Ford Crown Victoria cruisers and a 2011 Ford Expedition 4-wheel-drive SUV.

“I have three right now that are down and I don’t have the money to repair them,” Sheriff Jeff Lawless said. “This will help.”

Total purchase price is $81,250.

Right now there are 21 vehicles in the sheriff’s fleet, including vehicles for the jail. It has been two years since the sheriff’s office purchased new cars. On average the cars have 200,000 in mileage.

The SUV will replace a 1995 Ford pick-up truck.

“It is just at a point where it is worn out,” Lawless said. “With our terrain, it is important to have a four-wheel drive.”

The three cars to be retired will be scrapped for parts and the shells sent to Mansbach Metal Co. in Ashland, Ky. Since these vehicles have been stripped of all possible working parts, they usually bring only $40 each from Mansbach.

“We pull off every part we can use for other vehicles,” Lawless said. “I am certainly grateful to get these vehicles. We are in dire need of a whole new fleet.

“The vehicles are worn out, putting so much money in maintenance. Although three vehicles will help, it is a drop in the bucket. We understand the county’s plight, but we struggle here to keep vehicles running.”

In other business the commissioners : — Approved to study a request by the County Treasurer for an additional $24,000 for advertising delinquent taxes;

— Approved the tie down lease agreement for Charles Blakeman at the Lawrence County Airpark for $216.

— Approved planting a tree on the courthouse lawn in honor of retiring County Auditor Ray T. “Moose” Dutey.