Board approves purchase of two vans to replace leased vehicles after cost review

The Kearney R‑I board approved the purchase of two passenger vans from Cable Dahmer after staff said leasing costs have risen and owning vans would reduce long‑term expenses and meet athletic and transportation needs.

During the action item discussion, a staff member identified in the minutes as Mr. Nolan explained the district currently owns two minivans (model years cited as 2012 and 2017) and often leases additional vans for peak demand. The district’s leasing costs for the previous year were cited in the meeting as “$13.06 $6.05 with Enterprise for a lease of 1 van” (transcript phrasing); a board member and staff member used that figure to compare the cumulative cost of leasing versus buying.

Staff said the district needs up to four vans at peak times (spring and fall sports seasons) and that owning two additional vans would reduce reliance on rental companies and provide vehicles for longer trips while retaining older vans for local use. A board member calculated a roughly three‑year payback if the purchase price and rental costs hold, and members discussed maintenance, insurance and mileage management.

A motion to approve the purchase of two vans from Cable Dahmer was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members did not record a roll-call tally for the motion in the minutes of the meeting; no member announced opposition during the voice vote.

The meeting record did not include a precise purchase price or final contract number in the discussion; the presenter referenced a van price in discussion as “$37.09” (transcript phrasing unclear). Staff said they would manage older vans for local trips and use the new vans for longer trips and high-demand days.