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Smithville reports savings from vehicle-replacement fund but COVID-era pricing slowed implementation
Summary
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner and Finance Analyst Madelynn Call told the Board the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund, expanded since 2020 to include police vehicles, has produced savings and improved fleet reliability but was affected by pandemic pricing and delays; staff plans to use vehicle sales to balance the fund.
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner told the Smithville Board of Aldermen on July 15 that the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF), established in 2020 to manage purchasing and leasing of the municipal fleet, has broadened from replacing the "white fleet" to including police vehicles and produced measurable savings despite pandemic-related price and supply disruptions.
Finance Analyst Madelynn Call reviewed the program's history and figures, saying the city began with 12 white fleet vehicles in 2020, added three more by 2022, and added 12 police vehicles in 2023. Staff reported an overall cost-savings figure of about 28%, below an originally anticipated target of roughly 35%. Call said the program also improved employee morale, vehicle conditions and reduced service interruptions. Staff said proceeds from periodic sales of retired vehicles will be used to help balance the fund going forward.
Mayor Boley asked staff to provide the average age of city-owned vehicles before the VERF program started so the Board can compare initial fleet condition with current status. Alderman Ronald Russell asked whether leasing options for heavy-duty equipment had been evaluated; City Administrator Wagner said staff still needs to research those lease types.
The VERF discussion will continue as staff compiles the requested vehicle-age data and additional lease research for future budget sessions.
