CAIRO, IL - After a recent repossession of nearly all county patrol vehicles, Alexander County is rebuilding its fleet with help from other agencies, according to WSIL-TV.

On Sept. 29, WSIL said five patrol cars were donated to Alexander County by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Department in Florida.

"The cars look like they're in great shape, they're fully equipped, lights, sirens, cages, so it was a very generous offer to us," said Alexander County Sheriff Dave Barkett.

Last week, five of the county's six patrol cars were repossessed by the First National Bank and still sit in the bank parking lot. Other vehicles already donated by various agencies are not ready to hit the streets, WSIL reported.

Budget shortfalls also forced Barkett to lay off 11 employees recently, reported WSIL.