Board approves consent agenda, tables Water Canyon water purchase

The Washington County School District Board of Education voted to approve its consent agenda on Jan. 9, 2018, and separately voted to table an agenda item on a Water Canyon water purchase until its next meeting.

The consent agenda, approved by voice vote on a motion by Member Seig Miller and seconded by Member Blake, included the minutes of the Dec. 11–12 meeting, the district financial report, personnel items and the two-year renewal of the business administrator contract. Board leadership said the contract renewal was discussed prior to placement on the consent agenda.

The consent packet also listed purchases over $10,000, including a purchase of Ford Fusions for “non-bus” vehicles totaling about $290,000. District staff told the board the district follows a two-year vehicle-rotation plan to minimize repair costs and staffing needs: vehicles are kept for two years and sold at auction. Staff said the district chose conventional Ford Fusions over hybrid models because the hybrids’ higher purchase price (about $3,000 more) was not offset by the modest fuel savings over two years (about $1,000), leaving total cost-of-ownership lower for the non-hybrid models.

Separately, the board tabled an agenda item described as the Water Canyon water purchase (also referenced alongside a Hilldale property item) on a motion by Member Dunne, seconded by Member Hutchison. The motion passed by voice vote; the board did not record an individual roll-call tally in the minutes for either voice vote.

The board chair set the tabled Water Canyon item for further consideration at the next meeting.

Notes: the consent agenda vote was taken by voice; individual yes/no tallies were not specified in the public record provided.