Greenlee County expands vehicle purchasing options

Greenlee County supervisors voted to expand the county's vehicle purchasing policy to allow a broader range of acquisition methods, including lease-purchase arrangements and other vendor platforms.

County Administrator Derek, presenting the proposal, said the current policy limited vehicle purchases to one prescribed method and did not reflect emerging purchasing channels. "Our old purchasing policy would not allow us to tap into that or any other method to purchasing," Derek said, adding that some brands are now available through online marketplaces and lease structures the county does not currently accommodate.

Under the change the board approved, existing procurement options——bids, state contract, purchasing cooperatives——remain available; the amendment formally allows additional approaches such as lease-rollover options and alternative vendor platforms when appropriate. A motion to approve the policy change was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board and staff agreed to review other aspects of the purchasing policy at a future special meeting. The motion did not specify new spending limits, vendor names or any immediate vehicle purchases; those details will be handled through standard procurement procedures for future acquisitions.