Supervisors voted to authorize staff to move forward with leasing new grounds equipment after a staff recommendation and two motions on equipment options.

County staff described options for a new tractor and mowing attachments, noting differences in hours and trade-in considerations. The staff recommendation favored leasing a John Deere model (discussion referenced a "6130 N" model in the staff presentation) and to include a larger charger and attachments suited to the grounds crew’s needs. Staff said leasing would allow delivery in the spring if units are not immediately available, and that signing lease documents now would lock pricing if the vendor can hold the unit.

One supervisor moved and another seconded a motion to proceed; supervisors voted in favor. The board asked staff to check other dealers statewide for availability and to confirm trade-in value versus lease terms. Staff said a leased machine likely would not be delivered until next spring unless the vendor had stock, and that leases are expected to be charged to the FY 2026 budget if delivery occurs before the FY 2027 budget cycle.

Supervisors also discussed operational details: the mowing equipment typically mounts on the tractor being leased, and staff said they plan to keep current mowers for grounds work until trade-in or replacement is practical. The board recorded the motion and vote to proceed and instructed staff to finalize leasing paperwork and return with any final vendor quotes or availability updates.