The Salinas Finance Committee meeting on August 12, 2025, spotlighted a proposed vehicle leasing program aimed at modernizing the city’s aging fleet. With over 400 vehicles, some up to 20 years old, city officials are exploring a partnership with Enterprise to lease 10 new vehicles, costing approximately $105,600 annually. This pilot program is designed to assess the benefits of leasing versus traditional purchasing, which has historically involved buying vehicles outright and using them until they are no longer operational.

David, a city representative, emphasized the potential advantages of the leasing model, including the ability to electrify the fleet more rapidly in compliance with state mandates. The program could also lead to significant savings—up to $2.36 million over ten years—by reducing maintenance costs and improving fuel efficiency with newer vehicles. However, concerns were raised about the long-term commitment of locking into lease payments every five years, which could lead to higher costs if the program expands.

Enterprise's Daniel Manning presented data showing that 25% of Salinas' current fleet is over ten years old, negatively impacting budget and operational efficiency. He highlighted that a refreshed fleet could reduce operational costs by nearly half and improve safety features.

Committee members expressed cautious optimism about the pilot program, with one member noting the importance of testing the leasing model before making a long-term commitment. The committee plans to recommend the pilot program to the city council, marking a significant shift in how Salinas manages its vehicle fleet.