The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Nov. 24 authorized a procurement exemption that lets the county bid on and buy emergency vehicles being sold at auction by Emergency Services District 2.

County Auditor Barbara Parker asked the court to pull item 4AA from the consent agenda to give background on the request, saying the sheriff’s office had notified staff it planned to bid on the vehicles and that asset-forfeiture funds — federal funds — were to be used. Parker said using federal asset-forfeiture funds requires compliance with county procurement policy and federal rules and recommended the sheriff coordinate with the county purchasing agent before placing any bids.

County Purchasing Agent Karen Davidson told commissioners legal staff identified exemptions in the Texas Local Government Code that could allow the county to authorize a direct purchase or an auction purchase, but she said it was not best practice for departments to bypass asset- and fleet-management review. Davidson said she had requested VINs and vehicle histories so the county could evaluate accident damage, maintenance history and remaining life cycle; she also recommended an interlocal agreement with the selling political subdivision as an alternative approach.

Commander Cardenas of the Sheriff’s Office said he had inspected the vehicles, described them as well maintained with low mileage and said the county’s fleet needs made the purchase attractive. The sheriff’s office said it had not yet submitted a bid and was awaiting guidance.

The county attorney’s office told the court that legal exemptions under Texas Local Government Code §262.024 appear to apply and that the decision to use the exemptions is at the court’s discretion. After discussion, County Judge Samaniego moved to approve the exemption; Commissioner Coronado seconded the motion and the court voted to approve it.

The court recorded no immediate amendment to county procurement policy; county staff said they would continue coordinating to confirm vehicle condition, VINs, and funding compliance before completing any purchase.