NCRB staff explores rental or contract vehicles after budget omission; donors not accepting donations

Board and staff discussed operational problems after the department did not receive an assigned vehicle in the current budget. Staff said they had spoken with finance, fleet management and the director of general services about alternatives and were pursuing options to rent a van under city contract or otherwise secure a temporary vehicle for events.

Staff described regular weekend events that require transporting equipment and said some employees are hauling supplies in personal vehicles. “I am a little concerned with each of our staff members having to stack their car and carry all of this equipment,” the staff speaker said, adding concern about liability if equipment is transported in trailers or left in personal vehicles.

Participants noted one prior ad hoc solution — renting a U-Haul trailer for a single event — but said the trailer method raised safety concerns. Staff said they also inquired about donations but were told Metro was not accepting vehicle donations at this time. A board member suggested churches and community partners sometimes provide vehicles or drivers for community groups as an alternative.

There was no formal vote; staff was directed to continue pursuing a rental contract or other nonpersonal-vehicle solution and to report back to the executive committee. The board did not discuss any specific procurement contract, price, or funding reallocation at the meeting.

No final procurement decision was made during the session; the matter remains a staff action item pending discussions with finance and fleet management.