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Committee approves lease of Silverado 3500 for forestry; proceeds from 2017 vehicle sale to offset first‑year costs
Summary
The committee approved leasing a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 to replace the forestry fleet’s oldest truck, authorizing sale of the 2017 vehicle and using proceeds plus an existing forestry fund balance for initial payments; future lease payments will be placed on the debt levy.
The Ashland County Finance and Economic Development Committee approved a lease for a Chevrolet Silverado 3500 to replace the oldest forestry truck, authorized selling the 2017 pickup (via Wisconsin Surplus) and agreed to apply proceeds and an existing forestry vehicle fund balance to cover the first year’s payments.
Chris Hoffman summarized the county’s shift toward leasing vehicles and explained that the forestry department historically rotated vehicles on a six‑year retention plan (replace one truck every two years). Hoffman said the department delayed replacement during the COVID period and now needs to replace the oldest unit.
Why it matters: The committee’s action affects fleet reliability for fieldwork, forestry workload and near‑term capital planning. Committee members emphasized matching hauling and towing capacity to forestry needs and recommended replacing an older truck with a similarly capable 3500‑class vehicle.
Key details
- Motion and vote: Committee members approved a motion to lease a Chevrolet Silverado 3500, sell the 2017 truck through Wisconsin Surplus and apply the sale proceeds plus a forestry passbook balance to the first year’s payments. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
- Funding and timing: County staff reported about $50,000 available in a forestry passbook earmarked for vehicle replacement; staff said that amount can cover the current year’s payments. The committee agreed future lease payments (beginning in 2026) will be placed on the debt levy as part of capital budgeting.
- Disposition of replaced vehicle: The county will use Wisconsin Surplus for sale to maximize proceeds rather than the trade/auction process used by some leasing firms; historical surplus receipts were cited as typically exceeding trade‑in values.
Committee direction and next steps
County staff will proceed with the lease paperwork, list the 2017 truck on Wisconsin Surplus, and incorporate the future lease payments into the 2026 debt levy request. Hoffman and fleet staff will confirm final specifications and delivery timing.
Ending
Committee members said leasing can spread capital costs and reduce short‑term budget impacts but noted they wanted vehicle specifications to match forestry operational needs.
