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County staff recommends $44,942 minivan purchase for crisis-diversion transport
Summary
Public Works recommended buying a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Select AWD for $44,942 to support the Sheriff’s Office crisis-diversion grant; staff said full-time AWD justified the choice over slightly cheaper bids with traction-control alternatives.
Cascade County Public Works staff recommended that the county purchase a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Select all-wheel-drive minivan for $44,942 to provide transportation capacity under the Sheriff’s Office crisis-diversion grant.
At the March 25 work session, staff (S5) said the commissioners previously approved resolution 25-19 authorizing first-year funding from the crisis-diversion grant and that one expected expense was a minivan to transport individuals. Public Works solicited three quotes: Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Helena — 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Select AWD, $44,942; Honda — 2025 Honda Odyssey EX-L, $44,733; Toyota — 2025 Toyota Sienna LE, $43,054. Staff recommended the Pacifica because it offers full-time all-wheel drive, while the Honda provided an "intelligent traction control" system that is not full-time AWD.
Commissioners questioned the selection of the higher-priced vehicle; staff said the selection criteria prioritized size (three-row seating) and full-time AWD for consistent traction. No formal purchase approval or vote was recorded at the work session; the recommendation was presented as a consent-agenda item for the regular meeting.
