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Council greenlights five 2025 fleet replacements, defers broader purchase while keeping surplus flexibility
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about vehicle pricing volatility and resale strategy, the Leavenworth City Council on April 22 authorized purchase of five budgeted 2025 replacement vehicles (not to exceed $250,000) and approved surplus of replaced vehicles, while delaying purchase of additional vehicles proposed for later years.
Leavenworth City Council voted April 22 to approve purchase of five replacement vehicles budgeted for 2025 and to allow the city to surplus the traded vehicles, while postponing additional vehicle purchases planned for later years.
Staff presented a multi‑year fleet rotation plan developed with a municipal fleet consultant. City staff and the consultant described market volatility and tariff risks that can raise new‑vehicle prices and, correspondingly, increase resale values for used vehicles. The council debated whether to accelerate purchases because of those market risks or proceed cautiously.
Council approved a motion authorizing the purchase of the five 2025 vehicles identified in the staff packet with a not‑to‑exceed authorization of $250,000. Staff said that authorization covers replacements already budgeted for 2025 and will let the city obtain a second electric vehicle for City Hall to replace a rental; staff also requested authority to surplus older units as appropriate through the city’s surplus process.
Councilmembers asked for limits and options: staff said the city will avoid leasing (to prevent added interest costs), will prioritize vehicles suited to departmental needs, and will work with enterprise procurement to time surplus sales for optimal resale value. Staff also said public works will reassess the ER&R schedule and condition ratings in June to refine the replacement cadence.
The council approved two companion motions: one to purchase the authorized 2025 vehicles and a second motion authorizing the surplus of replaced units. One councilmember expressed caution about replacing perfectly serviceable trucks; others argued the consultant’s resale‑timing strategy justified the purchases. The motions passed with recorded abstentions.
Next steps: staff will finalize orders with procurement partners, coordinate any EV charging needs for the new electric units, and return to council with surplus sale results and an updated ER&R schedule.
