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County shifts to enterprise fleet program, delays second ambulance purchase
Summary
Commission heard staff describe the county's move to an enterprise fleet-management program, expecting lower maintenance and equity credits at lease end; one ambulance purchase remains scheduled for 2026 while the second is deferred until 2028 to reduce near-term capital spending.
At a regular meeting, Dickinson County staff reviewed a capital improvement plan that emphasizes a transition to an enterprise fleet-management program intended to smooth vehicle replacement costs and reduce maintenance burdens.
Assistant County Administrator Marcus Rothschild described the program's structure: vehicles are procured under an equity lease that generates a credit when a used vehicle is returned to the enterprise vendor, lowering the county's net cost compared with prior one-time purchases. Rothschild said the county has sold roughly $100,000 in surplus vehicles so far and expects that rolling equity credits and reduced maintenance will produce savings over a three- to four-year horizon.
On ambulances, staff said the county will still purchase one ambulance in 2026 (per a prior agreement) but defer the second expected purchase until 2028, based on reassessed mileage and vehicle condition. Estimated ambulance costs cited ranged from about $260,000 (remounting the box) to $350,000 (complete new units), depending on configuration.
Highway Department staff flagged an aging 2008 sign truck and recommended replacing it in 2027 to avoid an expensive imminent repair; commissioners and staff discussed deferring other purchases to spread the cost. Discussion of larger equipment also covered semi-tractor replacement strategies, used-market conditions and the importance of keeping at least one spare for operational continuity.
Staff also reviewed funding sources for equipment: equipment reserve transfers (the draft included a $450,000 transfer in 2026 for equipment needs), special highway funds for highway purchases, and limited use of asset-forfeiture funds for eligible law-enforcement vehicles.
The commission did not take a separate roll-call vote on these plan elements at the meeting beyond approving budget direction; staff said the capital plan will be adjusted as necessary and brought back if commissioners request changes.
Next steps: staff will refine the capital plan to reflect commissioners' priorities and timing for major purchases, and present final numbers for the budget hearing.
