Flagstaff County proposes vehicle fleet budget changes to enhance sheriff services

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors convened on May 12, 2025, for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Hearings, focusing on key adjustments in the mechanical services budget and vehicle management strategies. The meeting highlighted several proposals aimed at optimizing the county's fleet operations while maintaining budgetary balance.

The discussion began with a proposal to increase the hourly labor rate for mechanical services from $90 to $120, aligning with market rates in Flagstaff, which average $175 per hour. This adjustment is intended to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining the county's operational capabilities. The fuel markup will remain at 16%, but the parts markup will be reduced from 32% to 15%, benefiting departments like Health and Human Services that face grant restrictions on parts costs.

A significant change discussed was the amortization of replacement fees over the lifespan of vehicles. While the sheriff's patrol vehicles will continue to have a six-year replacement cycle due to high wear and tear, the general fleet's replacement cycle will extend to 14 years, contingent on parts availability and maintenance costs. This strategy aims to provide departments with better budget management by spreading costs over time.

The mechanical services team reported that all vacancies have been filled, enhancing in-house maintenance capabilities and reducing reliance on external services, which are typically more expensive. The team is also pursuing a new asset management program to improve tracking and accountability of county vehicles and equipment.

Additionally, the board considered transitioning some administrative vehicles from internal combustion engines to hybrid or gas models to alleviate range anxiety among staff. This change aims to ensure that vehicles can cover longer distances without the risk of running out of power.

The operational budget for mechanical services is projected to increase by 4% annually, reflecting inflationary pressures. The proposed budget is balanced and includes significant expenditures for the sheriff's department, which is set to receive 21 new vehicles in the upcoming fiscal year to address previous shortfalls.

In conclusion, the board's discussions emphasized a commitment to maintaining reliable vehicle operations for public safety while managing costs effectively. The proposed changes are designed to enhance service delivery across departments without increasing overall funding requests, ensuring that the county can continue to meet its operational needs efficiently.