Lawrence County; sheriff, use of credit card or debit card authorized

Lawrence County sheriff gains card purchasing option

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Lawrence County sheriff can authorize office credit or debit cards to buy goods and services. Credit cards must come from a domestic lender or credit card bank. Debit cards must link to a bank account the office is legally allowed to spend from. Written rules must set per-purchase and monthly limits, with monthly limits tied to the fund used. Only the sheriff or a designee can access cards, card numbers, and access or security codes. Purchase records must be kept for review during required audits. Credit card bills must be checked monthly for unauthorized charges and paid fully and on time to avoid extra charges. When choosing providers, the sheriff must consider annual fees, rewards, interest, service and finance charges, late fees, cancellation fees, and other relevant factors. Rewards and rebates go into the office's discretionary account. Purchases must be paid from the Sheriff's Discretionary Fund. Travel may instead use the sheriff's general fund budget, within the approved fiscal-year travel line item and county travel policy. The law does not allow spending beyond approved funding or create debt for the Lawrence County Commission.