County agrees to spend $638,750 for breathalyzers

RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County commissioners have agreed to spend $638,750 to purchase 1,750 alcohol breath testing devices.

The county will use Highway Safety Grant funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to pay for the breathalyzers.

Probate Judge Barry Moore said three companies submitted bid proposals — Intoximeters bid $368.75 per unit; Lifeloc Technologies bid $372 per unit; and CMI submitted a bid of $365 per unit.

CMI Incorporated was awarded the contract.

Moore said a review group that included two members of the Alabama Drug Training Program, two members of the Police Department’s DUI Task Force, and two members of the sheriff’s office evaluated the bids.

Eddie Russell, who serves as project director for the North Central Alabama Highway Safety Office, said law enforcement agencies will use the devices to help identify drivers who are under the influence.

“This is a tool that’s going to be used by law enforcement to assist them in detecting and removing impaired drivers from our highways,” he said.

County Administrator Leah Mansell said the devices are new units, not replacements for existing equipment.

Mansell said grant funds will cover the entire cost of the breathalyzers. She said the order has already been placed, and the county expects delivery in about 90 days.

Mansell said police departments and sheriff’s offices across the state will use the devices, which will be distributed among four ADECA Regional Highway Safety Offices based on requests from participating agencies.

The commission discussed making the purchase during its Feb. 9 work session before returning it for a vote in its Feb. 17 meeting.

Commissioner Tracie Clark made the motion to approve the purchase. Commissioner Grayson Murray seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.