Clark County leans toward discounted sale of surplus police SUVs to aid Jervis, Oregon department

Clark County staff presented a letter from Chief Bob Morris of Jervis, Oregon, asking the county to donate or discount two surplus 2016 Chevy Tahoe police package vehicles. Councilors discussed options, financial constraints and precedent and directed staff to pursue a reduced sale rather than a free donation.

"They would be interested in seeing whether council might approve a donation or diminimus sale," policy analyst Jordan Boie said, summarizing the request and noting that Fleet Services expects surplus 2016 Tahoes—after decommissioning the police package—would likely sell for about $8,000 each on the county surplus schedule.

Boie told council he had contacted local police departments; nearly all said they were not interested in taking the vehicles. He noted the county had in the past donated older, low‑value vehicles to Cascadia Tech for training, but the current SUVs are newer and worth more than scrap. Councilors debated whether the county should subsidize another jurisdiction while facing department cuts locally and discussed offering the vehicles at wholesale price less the county's decommissioning costs to reduce the buyer's outlay.

A councilor noted the letter said Jervis has limited purchasing ability; Boie said staff could follow up to ask the chief whether the town could manage an adjusted wholesale price. Council members also observed that proceeds from surplus sales typically go toward replacement vehicles and that the county does not pay taxes (so a tax write‑off would not apply).

The council did not adopt a formal ordinance or motion but signaled a direction: staff should explore selling the vehicles at a reduced price (wholesale estimate of about $8,000 each less the county's decommissioning costs) and report back. Jordan Boie will follow up with the requester and return with options for council consideration.