Board approves fleet, road equipment and lobbying contracts; awards crack-seal machines and six Sheriff's vehicles

Garfield County commissioners approved several procurement and contract actions during the Feb. 9 meeting, moving forward with budgeted fleet updates, road equipment purchases and a sole-source federal lobbying contract.

Vehicles and equipment: The Board approved a cooperative purchase award to Daniels Long Automotive LLC (State Price Agreement #193755) for up to $359,784 to procure six Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles for the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. Staff confirmed the purchase was budgeted and that the vehicles are scheduled to be upfitted later in the year.

Road maintenance equipment: Commissioners also approved a purchase from Denver Industrial Sales & Service for two new CraftCo crack-seal machines in an amount not to exceed $226,515.18. Road & Bridge staff said two of the department's current machines are over 20 years old and the new equipment will help the county crack-seal roughly 70 lane miles this year.

Lobbying services: The Board approved a sole-source contract with William Roger Dalbo, doing business as DGSR LLC, for federal lobbying services not to exceed $60,000. Staff said the contract is focused on federal agency engagement, particularly with the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture, and justified sole-source selection based on prior working relationships in Washington.

Budget context and next steps: County staff confirmed the purchases were included in the 2026 budget. The Board authorized contract signatures and staff will finalize delivery, upfitting and trade-in/auction details for replaced units. The lobbying contract will continue through summer (contract term in packet), and staff said the work will include outreach and meetings in Washington on county priorities.