Plan development manager urges more transparency on leased vehicles; commission approves lease-to-own for economic development vehicle

Corey Coleman, the county's plan development and building manager, used the public comment period to ask the commission for clearer communications and department involvement in capital purchases that affect operating budgets.

Coleman told the commission he had requested lease terms and payment schedules for vehicles but had not received them, and when he independently reviewed the documents he found what he called concerning payment structures. He said the payment schedule "reflects approximately $10,000 annually for the first three years, followed by roughly $25,000 for the following two years, resulting in a vehicle with a sticker price purchase of around $70,000, ultimately costing the taxpayers more than $80,000." He requested that department managers be included in procurement discussions and receive lease terms in advance so departments can budget appropriately.

Later in the meeting the commission approved a lease-to-own agreement for the Economic Development Department for a vehicle funded in part by a rural county grant. The approved payment structure shown on the agenda describes three annual payments, with a final-year payment of about $16,412.34 and a nominal buyout to own the vehicle at the end of the term. Staff said the grant amendment approved at the same meeting will cover most of the lease payments.

Commissioners did not change procurement policy at the meeting but commissioners agreed on the importance of including affected department heads in procurement discussions going forward; staff will coordinate grant and lease documentation to ensure departments understand fiscal obligations.