Six Crown Victorias recently ordered by the Covington County Sheriff’s Office have been parked. At least two of the vehicles had already been put into service.

Last fall, the Covington County Commission authorized the sheriff’s office to lease/purchase six vehicles from the state bid list. However, when the county administrator’s office began the title and insurance process last week, county employees determined that the vehicles had been ordered from Andalusia Ford, which does not have the state bid for Crown Victorias.

The vehicles were returned to the dealership and the issue is expected to be on the commission’s April 12 agenda. The county cannot legally purchase vehicles without going through a bid process unless the vehicles are purchased from a vendor who has the state bid.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks said the delay does not pose a problem in completing patrol duties.