The Harrison County Board of Supervisors convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss a significant budgetary decision regarding the leasing and potential purchase of tractors for beach operations. The meeting began with a presentation from a board member outlining a shift from a traditional lease agreement to a lease-purchase option for the tractors.

Initially, the plan was to enter a lease deal for the tractors, which would allow the county to use them for three years before returning them. However, complications arose when the leasing company expressed concerns about the tractors' intended use on the beach, leading to a reevaluation of the agreement. The new proposal involves a lease-purchase option, which would allow the county to buy the tractors at the end of the lease term for a nominal fee of $101 per unit.

The board discussed the financial implications of this new arrangement. The annual cost for leasing two tractors is approximately $46,196, while purchasing them outright would total around $85,600. The lease-purchase option would ultimately cost the county about $92,000 over four years, which is roughly $12,000 more than purchasing them outright. However, proponents of the lease-purchase option argued that it alleviates the immediate capital outlay, allowing funds to remain invested elsewhere.

Concerns were raised regarding the limitations of the lease, particularly the restriction of 1,500 hours of usage per year and potential overage charges. The board noted that exercising the purchase option would help avoid these additional costs and the post-lease inspection process.

Several members of the board expressed skepticism about the lease-purchase option, suggesting that if the county has the funds available, it might be more prudent to purchase the tractors outright to avoid interest payments and potential future liabilities. The discussion highlighted the need for further analysis of financing options and the overall cost-effectiveness of leasing versus purchasing.

In conclusion, the board agreed to explore financing alternatives and gather more information before making a final decision on the tractor acquisition strategy. The meeting underscored the importance of careful financial planning and consideration of long-term costs in municipal budgeting.