Summary
The Christian County Commission voted 2–1 to purchase a 2025 Ford Explorer with leather for county use, after debate over midsize vs. compact vehicles, resale and buying local versus state contract pricing.
The Christian County Commission voted 2–1 to buy a 2025 Ford Explorer — a midsize SUV — for county use, ending a months-long review of available vehicles and contract options. Why it matters: Commissioners said the county has gone nearly a year without a dedicated commission vehicle and that continuing to reimburse mileage is costing the county. Commissioners balanced safety, resale value and cost: one commissioner favored a lower-cost Trailblazer, others favored the midsize SUV for safety and passenger capacity. Discussion: County purchasing staff outlined bids from state-contract vendors and noted two 2025 vehicles in stock at local Corwin dealerships; other quoted options were 2026 builds with multi-month waits. Commissioners discussed leather seats’ resale value versus cloth, vehicle color, local maintenance and whether buying off the state contract or from local dealers was preferable. Commissioner Bradley Jackson urged frugality: “If I’m spending someone else’s money, it’s a completely, totally separate thing.” Decision: After discussion and a motion, the commission approved the purchase by a 2–1 voice vote. The commissioners directed staff to complete purchase paperwork with the selected dealer in Republic and to transfer title and decals for county use. Implementation details: Staff said the vehicle will come from dealer stock and that the county has budgeted funds from prior vehicle sales to purchase a replacement. Commissioners asked staff to continue checking local dealer inventories and to consider future needs (including a truck that may be proposed in the 2026 budget).
