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County seeks to raise WEX fleet fuel card contract authority to $1.4M annually
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Summary
Purchasing staff proposed increasing annual contract authority for WEX Inc. by $400,000 to a total of $1,400,000, citing expanded use for fuels, car washes and EV charging across 16 departments (including the sheriff and MEDAC/EMS). Fleet staff said the program is vehicle‑based, allows departmental controls, and offers modest merchant discounts.
Johnson County purchasing staff requested the board authorize an increase of $400,000 to the annual contract authority for WEX Inc., bringing the total contract authority for fleet fuel card services to $1,400,000 per year under the State of Kansas cooperative contract.
Robin Lyons, purchasing manager, said the request does not seek additional budget authority; departmental budgets already include fuel costs. Lyons said the WEX program issues vehicle‑based payment cards that departments can control and monitor, and that the contract covers fuel, car washes and EV charging. "The card is...issued based upon the vehicle rather than a person, and it stays with the vehicle," Lyons said.
Chris Butler of Fleet explained that 16 departments use the program in an administrative umbrella, with the sheriff and MEDAC/EMS among the highest users. Butler said MEDAC uses about 12,500 gallons per month when units are active in the field. Lyons said the additional authority includes administrative fees and anticipated new EV charging usage; departments that have on‑site fueling (Public Works, Johnson County Wastewater) continue to fuel at county sites and do not rely on WEX.
Commissioners asked about forecasting and the rationale for the $400,000 increase; Lyons said procurement analyzed purchase requisitions and forecasting and sought a buffer to avoid returning frequently for more authority.
