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Commission authorizes purchase of used Chevy Traverse for community corrections, vote split 3–2
Summary
The board approved purchase of a used 2023 Chevy Traverse for the Finney County Department of Corrections, waiving a preference for local dealer when specifications and mileage differed; the motion passed 3–2.
The Finney County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize purchase of a used 2023 Chevrolet Traverse for the Department of Community Corrections for $35,700 after soliciting bids from multiple dealerships.
Stephanie Rausch, director of Finney County Department of Corrections, said the 2025 judicial district reallocated grant funds to allow purchase of a vehicle that must be spent by June 30, 2025. The agency solicited bids from five dealerships and received three responses. The recommended bid was a 2023 Chevy Traverse from McCarthy Chevrolet with 9,105 miles for $35,700, which met the agency—s bid specifications; other local bids offered vehicles with higher mileage.
Commissioners asked whether specifications could have been broader to attract more local dealer bids. One commissioner noted a preference for using local dealers because of warranty and service considerations; Rausch said specifications followed a prior successful purchase.
A motion to authorize the purchase from McCarthy Chevrolet passed 3–2. The county administrator confirmed sufficient funds were available to complete the purchase.
Why it matters: The vehicle purchase was time‑sensitive because grant funds must be expended before the fiscal year ends. The 3–2 vote indicates some commissioners preferred keeping purchases local to support serviceability and warranties, while a majority supported the recommended low-mileage vehicle that met specifications.
