The Marshall County Commissioners would like a recommendation from Sheriff Matt Hassel before making a decision on the purchase or lease of new vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.
The commissioners had questions about the difference between the bottom line of either leasing or purchasing the vehicles outright.
At a previous meeting, it was discussed that the lease option would be $120,941.12 for four Durangos and one F150 truck. The county would be able to purchase the cars at the end of the lease for about $4,500. At the time, Commissioner Stan Klotz noted that without trade-in if the county were to purchase the vehicles outright through Country Auto and Oliver Ford, it would only be about $4,000 more.
Derek Willard from Enterprise Fleet Management explained to the commissioners Monday morning how the process would work.
“We just set it up that way so you pay for what you use in three years,” said Willard. “At the end of three years, you have the option to extend that lease for another 12 months, you can purchase it for $4,500, or you can replace it. We would sell it on your behalf and you get the funds back over the $4,500. If we sell it for $8,000, you’d get that money back.”
“Get it back or apply it, right?” interjected Commissioner Mike Delp.
“Correct,” replied Willard.
Willard said the budget is essentially flatlined.
Willard added that if the eventual goal is to purchase the vehicles then buying outright would be the best way. With the lease, the county would be spending less on each vehicle every year of the lease. After all is said and done, if the vehicles are sold by the company at the end of the lease then the county would be ahead money.
Joe Martin from Country Auto argued that the sheriff just asked his company for a quote and not a lease, but he has a source that could offer a lease program for municipalities. Commissioner Mike Delp replied that it was his suggestion as the county is already leasing vehicles from Enterprise. Martin said when it comes to servicing the vehicles, they attempt to get the county in first and that’s true for their customers, when that isn’t an option with Enterprise.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer and Commissioner Mike Delp said they need a recommendation from the sheriff in order to move forward, and Sheriff Hassel was unable to attend Monday’s meeting. Overmyer commented that they can’t make a decision for road officers and the money to purchase the vehicles is from the sheriff’s budget.
The commissioners voted unanimously to table the decision until the March 18th meeting.
