The Waycross City Commission approved another purchase last week in its effort to upgrade the fleet of vehicles in department inventory.
Commissioners passed a resolution to buy a transport van for approximately $71,000 at the request of the Waycross Police Department. The oversized vehicle will replace one that’s 21 years old and nearing the end of its operational efficiency.
The measure was one of three the commission approved during its bimonthly meeting April 7 in City Hall. The other two dealt with declaring various items surplus property in order to be sold by bid.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James also presented a proclamation for April being Sexual Abuse Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The commission also honored Chad Mathis of the Waycross Fire Department as City Employee of the Month. Mayor James conducted the meeting with all five commissioners in attendance. There was no executive session after the regular meeting.
The new van is a 2026 Ford E350 model that will be delivered full equipped for WPD to handle all transport needs. It will be paid from the 2023 special purpose local option sales tax fund.
The purchase was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner William Tompkins in opposition. The Ford vehicle was selected over a similar 2025 Chevrolet model that was nearly $13,000 cheaper, but not fully equipped at that price, Purchasing Director Mamie Jackson said.
She also said to get the cheaper model, the city would have to wait for the company’s purchase window to reopen later. Jackson explained the manufacturer accepted purchase orders for only so many vehicles in a period of time, and it already had reached that limit.
Ford’s window was open, Jackson said, and given the vehicle’s poor condition, deemed the best option for replacement rather than waiting for another opportunity with Chevrolet.
The second resolution paved the way for sale of two 1990 arrow board signs, a water pump, a batwing mower, a tri-axle equipment trailer and a 2007 zero turn mower.
The third approved the sale of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe C1500 vehicle that was acquired by WPD through forfeiture from a court decision. Ten percent of the sales proceeds will go to the Waycross District Attorney’s Office Drug Forfeiture Account, with the rest to WPD.
All the items will be sold on govdeals.com by bid.
Representatives of Satilla Advocacy and others were on hand for presentation of the proclamation. Teal ribbons were available in the foyer of City Hall to wear this month signifying support for the cause.
Mathis is a 21-year veteran of WFD, where he currently is a Driver-Engineer. He’s a second generation department member, following his late father, Lt. Wayne Mathis, who retired after 40 years of service.
Chief Jim Blackburn said Chad Mathis is “outstanding” at anything he does. Mathis had the challenge of training the newest firefighters to be drivers, and all he trained were successful in their driver promotion tests.
“His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the citizens of Waycross reflect the very best of our organization,” Chief Blackburn said.
Waycross Fire Department Driver/Engineer Chad Mathis was recognized last week as City Employee of the Month for April during the City Commission’s bi-monthly meeting. Mathis is flanked by Mayor Michael-Angelo James (left) and Fire Chief Jim Blackburn. Photo by RICK NOLTE
