County asks Enterprise Mobility for fleet proposal after sheriff highlights aging cruisers

Representatives from Enterprise Mobility presented a fleet assessment to the Franklin County Commission on June 16, outlining options to replace, lease or manage county vehicles with a view to lowering operating and end‑of‑life repair costs.

Enterprise said Franklin County—urrently operates about 23 vehicles with an average age of roughly four years; the company recommended a multi‑year plan to replace several high‑mileage units, implement fleet telematics, and consider an open‑ended equity lease to smooth capital spending. The presenter said Enterprise could deliver a five‑year plan that would reduce maintenance and unexpected capital spikes and that Sourcewell cooperative contracting could speed procurement.

Sheriff and commissioners questioned turnaround time for replacing total‑loss vehicles, upfit and outfitting costs, spare vehicle needs for law enforcement, and whether the county's current capital reserve and accounting treatment would be affected by moving to a lease model. Enterprise representatives said typical stock acquisition and upfit timelines are three to six months depending on local upfit vendors, and that an open‑ended lease avoids mileage penalties and preserves resale equity.

After discussion, commissioners voted to request a written proposal from Enterprise Mobility, with the sheriff and county legal counsel to review the master lease and terms before any final action. Commissioners emphasized the county's immediate need for replacements given several cruisers being out of service and the lack of spare vehicles.

Next steps: Enterprise will submit a detailed proposal and cost model; legal counsel will review any master lease agreement; the county will consider fiscal treatment of lease payments and capital reserves before authorizing a contract.