Pembroke Park commission rejects higher procurement thresholds after surprise $909K vehicle renewals disclosure

The Pembroke Park Town Commission voted on Jan. 14 both to ratify automatic renewals on leased vehicles and to reject a second‑reading ordinance that would have raised municipal procurement thresholds.

Staff explained an ongoing contract with Enterprise Fleet Management included automatic renewals. A timing coincidence caused renewals for 16 vehicles to come due at once; the procurement office modeled the cost at about $909,946 over five years. The commission voted to ratify the expense for those renewals.

Commissioners said the vehicle renewals highlighted weaknesses in procurement and asset tracking. Procurement Officer Stephanie Woodbury and the finance team described steps to tighten procedures and to bring renewals to the commission going forward. Several commissioners asked for training for staff and a system to track fixed assets, lease end dates and contract expirations.

Against that backdrop, the commission debated Ordinance 2026001, which would increase thresholds for staff purchasing authority consistent with consultant recommendations. After extended discussion about oversight and recent procurement surprises, the motion to adopt the ordinance failed on roll call: Acting Clerk Commissioner Morissette and Clerk Commissioner Hodgkins voted yes; Vice Mayor Kashem, Commissioner Mohammed and Mayor Jacobs voted no.

Mayor Jacobs said the disclosure of the near‑$1 million five‑year commitment underlined the need for better checks and monthly oversight. Commissioners agreed to pursue additional procurement training, regular reporting and an audit of assets and leasing schedules; they discussed deferring or tabling the ordinance for further workshop review but did not adopt it on Jan. 14.