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Coventry superintendent outlines plan to buy out problematic leases and issue RFP for used plow trucks
Summary
After a town pickup (plow) truck was in an accident, Superintendent Don Cowart described buying out Enterprise lease obligations with settlement funds and issuing a draft RFP for used plow vehicles to restore fleet capacity and reduce reliance on lease programs.
Superintendent Don Cowart briefed the committee on the district’s vehicle situation after a plow truck was in an accident. He said the truck was under a lease‑to‑own arrangement with Enterprise that the district found problematic; an insurance settlement made funds available and Cowart proposed using those proceeds to buy out outstanding leases so the district can regain direct control of vehicles.
Cowart described the draft RFP he circulated to solicit used plow trucks (or possibly two), specifying tow packages, mileage and model year preferences in the draft. He said the district has a capable mechanic and is open to higher‑mileage vehicles if they fit the specifications and maintenance model. Cowart suggested paying off Enterprise with settlement proceeds and reallocating budgeted lease payments to purchase trucks outright.
Committee members asked whether contracting for plowing services had been costed; Cowart said he had not completed a full cost analysis comparing contractors versus in‑house plowing but favored in‑house work because district staff know the properties and can respond at any hour. He said the draft price threshold in the RFP is being adjusted upward to be more competitive.
