The Lake County Board of Commissioners denied a request from the county clerk Wednesday to buy a new vehicle, putting the purchase on hold until a fleet replacement program is started.
Clerk Michael Brown asked the commissioners to buy a new vehicle for his department, citing daily trips required from Crown Point to the county’s satellite offices.
The board said it’s creating a vehicle replacement schedule and wanted to hold off on new purchases.
“Do you have another vehicle for us at this time?” Brown asked.
“No, I don’t,” Commissioner Michael Repay said.
Brown said he preferred an SUV with cargo space because the current vehicle is worn out.
Brown gave the board three options: A $61,495 2018 GMC Yukon; a $36,888 2018 Dodge Durango; or a $58,084 2018 Ford Expedition.
“Our position is we need a good vehicle,” Brown said. “We need a vehicle now.”
The clerk’s office has a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria it uses to move material to the satellite offices, but it’s not in good shape, Brown said.
Brown said the vehicle was one taken out of service at the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
“We have a car purchase program we’re embarking on,” said Repay, D-Hammond.
The program would exchange vehicles between departments based on need and condition, he said.
The board plans to buy 11 new vehicles in the fall, Repay said, and is determining which departments will get new vehicles.
“We’re looking at the entire fleet,” said Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville.
As the clerk’s office continues the transition to the Odyssey management system, staff is working more hours, and files must be moved between locations, Brown said.
“We need a vehicle,” Brown said. “It’s very important for us.”
The car recently broke down while an employee was driving it and had to be towed back to the office, Brown said.
Repay said if Brown didn’t think the vehicle was safe, employees should stop using it.
The commissioners don’t want to start making exceptions, Tippy said, and buy vehicles before a replacement program is in place.
“You’re not the only person who’s come to us,” Tippy said.
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