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Vernon County trustees weigh repair versus replacement after minibus frame corrosion
Summary
Trustees were told the facility minibus has extensive frame rust and may fail state inspection if repairs are not made; trustees and BSJ management discussed repair costs, trade-in offers and leasing or purchasing options, with staff to return with usage and cost comparisons.
Trustees of the Vernon County Board heard that a campus minibus at Vernon Manor has significant frame rust and could fail state inspection unless the frame is repaired this year.
The board was read an email from Shane Moore of Sleepy Hollow saying, “If we don't make the frame repairs this year, the bus will not pass state inspection next year.” The message — relayed during a report by a trustee — said the level of corrosion may require custom frame fabrication rather than off‑the‑shelf parts.
Why it matters: the vehicle is used to transport residents for outings and appointments; trustees and management said the bus’s structural condition, the potential cost of professional frame work, and the facility’s transportation needs must inform whether to spend capital on repairs or pursue replacement or leasing.
Details and discussion: trustees heard that Sleepy Hollow examined photos and parts availability, and that professional shops capable of the work are located in cities such as La Crosse. The management company BSJ reported AJ Mobility had offered $10,000 as a trade‑in value for the existing van and quoted about $56,000 for a new replacement. A trustee read that custom frame work would likely be outside the local shop’s expertise and could require an RV‑type custom fabrication shop.
BSJ staff (Kim, BSJ representative) said she is researching centralized purchasing options through the organization’s vendor, Value First, and exploring leasing as an alternative. Kim said she is collecting proposals for multiple locations in the organization to seek discounts if Vernon County chooses to replace vehicles at several sites.
Trustees agreed to collect additional information before deciding. Requested follow‑up items included: a breakdown of how often the current van is used by Vernon Manor and Vernon Acres, comparisons of lease versus purchase total costs (including insurance and maintenance), expected vehicle lifecycle, and updated trade‑in offers. BSJ said it aims to provide leasing and pricing information within about a month; the trustees asked county staff to provide vehicle usage data for the campus.
Staff reported the van’s recent usage at roughly 5,000 miles per year and noted the vehicle’s seating and wheelchair capacity are limited (roughly five to six passenger seats, two wheelchairs). Trustees and managers discussed whether a smaller, easier‑to‑drive vehicle would increase staff willingness to operate it and enable more frequent resident outings.
Next steps: trustees asked for compiled lease vs. purchase estimates, updated trade‑in offers, and usage logs in time for the next meeting. No formal capital decision was made at the meeting.
