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After extended discussion, commissioners approve Leisure Services vehicle replacements from FY25 supplemental list
Summary
Following a lengthy exchange about service levels and vehicle assignments, Spalding County commissioners approved purchases to replace aging Leisure Services vehicles; staff said the purchases restore prior transportation capabilities used for summer and out‑of‑school programs.
The Spalding County Board of Commissioners approved purchases from the FY2025 supplemental list to replace aging Leisure Services vehicles after staff explained why replacements are needed to run summer camps and out‑of‑school programming.
Why it matters: These vehicles support youth programming, trips to the aquatic center and library visits. Staff said one older vehicle had been repurposed for other county uses years ago, leaving the department short a van for transporting children on field trips.
What staff proposed: Director Carmichael said Leisure Services has received many surplus vehicles over the years but those units often carried high miles and mechanical needs. Staff proposed replacing a 2006 Crown Victoria and a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe with a 15‑passenger van (to replace the Crown Victoria) and a crew cab pickup (to replace the Tahoe). Contract pricing from Speedway Ford produced lower combined pricing; staff cited a request figure of $93,003.43 based on contract pricing.
Board discussion: Commissioners repeatedly sought clarity on whether the vehicles represented an expansion of services or restoration of previously available capacity. Carmichael and others said the department previously had a 15‑passenger van at Fairmont that had been reallocated; restoring a like vehicle would allow both Fairmont and City Park camps to operate transportation independently without renting school buses or pulling staff away from programming. Commissioners also discussed funding: staff said the purchases would draw from a FY2025 supplemental list (described as pay‑as‑you‑go funds or previously budgeted supplemental funds) and that the money was available.
Vote and record note: The board approved the request. Staff repeatedly referenced a $93,003.43 total; the motion language on the floor referenced $191,003.43 in one instance. The board vote was recorded 4–0. Staff said the supplemental funds were available and purchases would proceed under contract pricing.
What’s next: Leisure Services will purchase the identified vehicles at contract pricing, surplus the older units and coordinate staffing and licensing to ensure camp staff can legally operate the vans for trips.
