The Board of County Commissioners approved a lease for a 2025 GMC Yukon XL to be used by the coroner’s office, with a monthly lease rate reported as $1,610.08.

Commissioners discussed the functional requirements that drove the vehicle choice, including a minimum cab space of about 7 feet and four-wheel-drive capability, and noted alternatives such as the Yukon XL, suburban-size SUVs, and van-type vehicles that may be appropriate for other uses. Staff raised concerns about optional features included in the quoted vehicle — for example, perforated leather seating, premium audio and other options — and asked whether a less-equipped model could be obtained to reduce cost. Staff also said the vehicle in question was on a lot and that the county faced a time constraint if it wanted that specific unit.

Motion and vote: The board approved the lease for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL for use in the coroner’s office at a monthly rate of $1,610.08. Commissioners recorded as voting “yes” were Commissioner Tim Atkinson, Commissioner Jim Marlow and Commissioner Jim Rice.

Staff noted the county has leased specialty vehicles before and that some leases for specialty uses have higher monthly costs; they also said production timing can delay acquiring a new-production vehicle and that a ready unit on a dealer lot may be cost-effective despite higher monthly payments. The board did not attach further conditions to the lease approval during the meeting.