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Putnam County hears sheriff’s proposal to lease patrol vehicles to cut maintenance costs
Summary
Sheriff Baugh and Sergeant Boller presented a plan to switch the department’s vehicles to a three-to-four year fleet lease with Enterprise, projected to save about $155,000 from 2026–2030 and eliminate wear-and-tear penalties, though a commissioner warned of past communication problems with Enterprise in the highway department.
Sheriff Baugh proposed on April 6 that the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department move from long-term vehicle ownership to fleet management leases with Enterprise to reduce rising maintenance costs.
Sergeant Boller, the department’s fleet manager, and an Enterprise representative outlined how leases for three- to four-year terms would remove mileage restrictions and wear-and-tear penalties and provide maintenance oversight and actionable data on fuel and operator metrics. The presentation estimated savings of about $155,000 between 2026 and 2030 and noted the department can pay off four existing vehicle loans totaling roughly $74,000 from current budgeted funds.
Commissioner Rick Woodall raised concerns based on the highway department’s mixed experience with Enterprise; he said the company previously told the county it would be done at the end of a contract, leaving the county to purchase vehicles. Sergeant Boller and the Enterprise representative said they would ensure clearer communication and defined terms if the county proceeds. Commissioners noted budgeted funds exist to begin the program and asked staff to clarify contract terms and communications expectations before moving forward.
