Mississippi Police Helicopter Headed to State Surplus

A 1967 Bell OH-58 helicopter previously used by the Tupelo Police Department is being turned over to the state as surplus property.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports the city council this week approved Police Chief Bart Aguirre’s recommendation to give the helicopter to Mississippi’s Office of Surplus Property.

The single-engine, four-passenger vehicle is valued at $200,000, city insurance records show

Police say the costs for fuel, storage, insurance and other requirements cost Tupelo taxpayers roughly $50,000 a year.

In the past fiscal year, Tupelo budgeted $20,000 for maintenance and $3,600 for professional pilot fees. No funding was provided this year.