The Saline County Commission approved the purchase of several new vehicles for the Community Corrections and Road & Bridge departments during their January 21st meeting.
Community Corrections Director Michelle Callum presented a request to purchase a 2025 Chevy Traverse all-wheel drive vehicle from Holm Automotive for $31,346, which includes a trade-in. The new vehicle will replace a 2015 Ford Fusion with approximately 10 years of service. Callum noted that the department had budgeted for this purchase in the current fiscal year.
The Road & Bridge Department received approval for two vehicle purchases. County Engineer Darren Fishel requested authorization to buy a 2025 half-ton extended cab four-wheel drive pickup truck from Long McArthur Ford for $51,995. This vehicle will replace a 2014 extended cab pickup with 175,000 miles.
Additionally, the commission approved the purchase of a one-ton 4x2 crew cab chassis vehicle from Holm Automotive for $49,785. Fishel explained that this truck will replace an older vehicle that has outlived its service life. The department plans to repurpose the existing service body onto the new chassis, which is expected to result in cost savings.
Fishel noted that funds for these purchases will come from the special Road and Bridge equipment account, which had an unencumbered balance of $1,355,242.96 prior to these approvals.
Commissioners discussed the specifications and necessity of the vehicles before voting unanimously to approve all three purchases.
