Board approves exploration of replacing court-services passenger van

A motion to explore replacing the passenger van used for court services passed unanimously after staff reported the vehicle, a 2017 model purchased new with about 30,000 miles at purchase, is no longer practical for department needs.

A staff member described safety and visibility concerns related to the vehicle’s markings and said the department is “in the process of getting the graphics taken off” before broader travel. The staff member said the vehicle is “not practical anymore.”

Members discussed options including trading or selling the vehicle and looking for a more practical replacement such as a small truck or Ford Maverick. One member noted a Ford Maverick could cost about $30,000; others suggested more fuel-efficient passenger cars could be considered but also raised field-visit and rough-road needs.

The motion authorized staff to explore replacement options, including trade or sale, and to communicate with the chair while researching prices and suitable vehicles. The motion passed on voice vote; the chair called for aye and the motion carried. Staff said any final purchase would return to the body for approval and that funds for a replacement would come out of project/build accounts if a purchase were pursued.

No final procurement decision was made at the meeting; the approval was limited to researching and returning with a recommendation.