County to list surplus vehicles on PublicSurplus; staff outline phased pool‑car replacements

Montezuma County vehicle maintenance staff told commissioners the county will list surplus vehicles and equipment in January on PublicSurplus and described a planned, phased replacement of several aging pool vehicles.

Staff said PublicSurplus has been used for about four to five years, charges no listing fee and collects a buyer’s fee; vehicles listed there may draw in‑state and out‑of‑state bidders. A 10‑day auction is typical after items are posted.

Maintenance staff reviewed the county’s pool fleet (Equinox, Impala, Suburban, Bolt) and said the Impala will reach replacement criteria by next year while the Equinox and Suburban are a year or two away. A proposed replacement vehicle is a seven‑passenger, all‑wheel‑drive model (similar in size to a Chevy Traverse) that complies with hands‑free phone requirements and offers more interior room than an Equinox.

Staff noted mileage patterns for 2024: the Suburban drove roughly 8,000 miles, the Equinox almost 11,000 miles and the Impala about 5,000; the electric Bolt is used mostly in town and logged about 4,000 miles. Commissioners discussed lease‑versus‑buy calculations; staff cited a sample lease cost of about $9,000 per year with a total lease cost around $44,000 after five years for one unit.

No procurement action was taken during the workshop; staff said they will return with replacement recommendations and timelines.

Why it matters: Fleet replacements affect the county’s capital and operating budgets and the ability of county staff to travel safely and carry passengers and cargo for events and responses.