Ellis County Commissioners voted to approve a master lease and maintenance agreement that will allow the county to lease budgeted vehicles through Enterprise Fleet Management, starting with an initial set of four vehicles identified on the agenda.

Keith Sidwell, area manager for Enterprise Fleet Management, and Katie (account executive) told the court that Enterprise’s division supporting fleet management leverages operating experience from more than 2 million vehicles and provides recommendations on total cost of ownership, replacement cycles and maintenance programs. Sidwell said the company offers fixed‑cost maintenance programs and regular account reviews to help predict lifecycle costs and maximize resale value.

Eric Test, assistant purchasing agent, said the county currently uses a lease program with American National and that approving a master agreement with Enterprise would provide an alternative procurement vehicle and additional flexibility for future leases. Commissioners asked about maintenance options, warranty handling and upfitting for sheriff’s vehicles; Sidwell said Enterprise can coordinate upfitting vendors and factor warranties into maintenance pricing. County legal review was reported as complete for the cooperative agreement. Commissioner Grayson moved the item; Commissioner Stinson seconded it and the court approved the master agreement.

The agenda listed the initial vehicles to be made available for lease: a 2025 Ford Expedition for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, two 2025 Ford F‑150 trucks (one for the Civil Engineer Office), and two 2025 Ford F‑150 PPV units (for the fire marshal and Constable Precinct 3), among potentially other budgeted vehicles to come under the contract. Commissioners emphasized each individual vehicle lease would be approved separately by the court and that the court is not approving an unlimited fleet commitment today.

Enterprise representatives emphasized a recommended 4–5 year replacement cycle as a balance of resale value and operating costs and noted that the firm can provide data and annual reviews showing where county fleet dollars are being spent. The court approved the master agreement so county departments can use Enterprise as an alternative leasing vendor when choosing per‑vehicle leasing versus purchase.