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County approves trade and purchase of patrol vehicle after recurring mechanical problems
Summary
The board approved trading a problematic 2022 Chevrolet squad for a 2025 GMC with a $16,000 trade difference to be paid from the drug forfeiture fund after repeated failures and a manufacturer recall.
Pipestone County approved trading a 2022 Chevrolet patrol vehicle that had persistent mechanical and electronic problems for a 2025 GMC with a $16,000 trade difference to be paid from the drug forfeiture fund.
The county sheriff’s office presented the request after local repair shops and dealer service attempts failed to resolve recurring problems, including a manufacturer recall affecting the 6.2-liter engine in that model range. Staff said the truck spent much of its time in the shop and the warranty period was nearing expiration.
Deputy or fleet staff reported that fleet-ordering options were constrained by recent changes in manufacturer fleet pricing and tariffs; as a result, the county compared on‑lot vehicles and obtained bids. The recommended replacement has a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine, which staff said has performed reliably in their fleet.
Commissioners voted to approve the trade and purchase; the $16,000 difference will be covered by the county’s drug forfeiture fund, county staff said. Board members expressed support for retiring a vehicle that had become a maintenance liability; one commissioner asked about pursuing a lemon‑law claim but staff said prior attempts to escalate with manufacturer contacts had been unsuccessful.
No exact total purchase price was recorded on the meeting minutes; staff said the trade would not increase an existing budget deficit and that the chosen vehicle has about 24,000 miles and is roughly three model years newer than the traded vehicle.
