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Commission approves three-year Bancorp leases for two sheriff vehicles, flags broader fleet review
Summary
Faced with two crashed leased patrol vehicles and an upcoming group of fleet expirations, commissioners approved a three-year Bancorp lease for two sheriff vehicles and instructed staff to report back with options for the remainder of the county fleet, including staggering replacements and exploring grants or used purchases.
The San Juan County Commission on June 3 authorized a three-year vehicle lease with Bancorp for two sheriff vehicles that were needed after two leased patrol trucks were wrecked.
County staff used the action to outline a larger fleet-management challenge: roughly 13 leased county vehicles will reach lease term expiration soon and staff want to evaluate whether to renew leases, stagger replacements, purchase used county vehicles, pursue grants for first-responder vehicles or adopt other strategies to limit maintenance and residual-value risks.
Why it matters: vehicle fleet choices affect long-term maintenance costs, one-time capital demands and the county’s exposure if residual values fall short of anticipated resale prices. The sheriff’s fleet in particular requires upfits (cages, light bars and decals) that raise the per-vehicle cost.
What commissioners heard
County staff outlined differing lease proposals from Unifin and Bancorp. Unified’s earlier proposals had higher projected residual values but a structure that staff found risky because of interest allocation and large out-year payments when vehicles are not turned in. Bancorp’s proposal showed lower, more conservative residual estimates and a straightforward 36-month payment structure; staff recommended Bancorp for the two replacement sheriff vehicles now before the county.
Commission action and follow-up
The commission voted to approve the Bancorp leases for the two patrol vehicles and asked staff to return with detailed recommendations for the other 13 vehicles coming out of lease, including options to stagger replacements, evaluate buying used county or other governmental fleet vehicles, and pursue grant opportunities for emergency vehicles.
Discussion vs. decision
Discussion: Commissioners and staff discussed lease residuals, the risk of accident-damaged vehicles lowering resale, annual mileage allowances and alternatives including outright purchase, grant-funded vehicles, and purchase from other government fleets.
Decision: Approved Bancorp three-year leases for two sheriff vehicles; directed staff to prepare a comprehensive fleet plan and financing options for remaining soon-to-expire leases.
Ending
Staff said they will bring a staggered plan and cost estimates back to the commission for the larger set of fleet expirations and will seek opportunities to minimize the county’s long-term maintenance and financing exposure.
