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Board approves 2026 vehicle leases, orders replacements to match expiring contracts
Summary
The La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety approved a package of fleet leases for 2026, including police pursuit vehicles and replacements for engineering, code and fire, and authorized factory orders to align deliveries with expiring leases.
The City of La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved a set of fleet lease orders for calendar year 2026, authorizing factory orders for replacement vehicles so deliveries will align with current lease expirations. The board took the action during its Sept. 16 meeting. "The total cost for 2026 is $335,304.80," a presenter advised the board during the meeting. The presenter said most police vehicles will be Ford Durango pursuit models and listed additional replacements for engineering, code enforcement and fire.
The lease schedule is tied directly to current lease expiration dates in December 2025. Board members and staff discussed staggering deliveries and taking factory orders to obtain the lowest delivered costs and to avoid gaps if a supplier cannot extend an existing lease. The presenter also noted a one-time upfit fee for police and fire vehicles to cover lights and other emergency equipment. "With the staggering of some of these leases, we're going to take the approach of mainly ordering these from a factory, which is going to be the lowest delivered cost on these vehicles," he said.
Nut graf: The board's approval allows the city to place orders now so new vehicles arrive before older vehicles' leases end; staff said the plan reduces procurement risk and keeps annual fleet costs under the city's stated target.
Board members emphasized timing and continuity. One member noted the importance of ensuring suppliers can extend leases if delivery timing slips; staff said they would follow up if that occurred. The presenter said the 2026 lease package — including one-time upfits and routine registration fees — fits the city's budget planning for the coming year and helps toward a goal of keeping vehicle and maintenance costs below $500,000 annually.
The board moved, seconded and voted in favor. With two members present for the vote, both voted aye and the motion passed. The approval included authority for staff to place factory orders and to proceed with the planned upfits and staggered delivery schedule.
Ending: Staff will proceed to place the orders and coordinate delivery timing and upfits with department chiefs; staff said they will follow up if supplier changes affect delivery dates.
