Purchase of county vehicle back on the table

​YORK – This past week, the York County Commissioners resumed the conversation as to whether a vehicle should be purchased for use by the county assessor’s office as well as other departments and elected officials.

​About a year ago, an Equinox was purchased for use by the assessor’s office and the veterans’ service office. The problem, as earlier explained by Assessor Kurt Bulgrin, is that the veterans’ service office needs the vehicle frequently, in order to provide transportation for area veterans to check-ups and other appointments with the VA – so much so, his office rarely has access to it.
His request was for another vehicle, of the same type, to be purchased, which his office and others could use.
The assessor’s office would use the vehicle for going “out in the field” to inspect and measure properties, in the permitting process, conducting business, etc.
This week, York County Commissioner Jack Sikes recognized how Bulgrin had earlier said he obtained bids from the state bidding process – which helps counties keep the price of vehicles down. He also asked Bulgrin if he had gotten any bids for a pickup, as well.
“I agree with Jack, in that I think a pickup could suit us better for more utility uses,” said Commissioner Andy Bowman. “If it were a pickup, building and grounds could haul things in it, maybe it could be used to transport items during election season. I agree, we should look into that.”
Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier said he was recently in attendance at a Nebraska Association of County Officials legislative forum. While he was there, he said he took a good look at the parking lot and about 20% of the attendees had driven there in county-owned vehicles.
During an earlier meeting, Obermier said he felt most counties have several vehicles which can be used by staff members and officials.
“But I feel that to have two Equinoxes doesn’t make sense to me, I also feel getting a pickup or an Explorer maybe might make more sense,” Obermier said. “Maybe something with some more size also, which can hold more people.”
“I’d like to see some quotes for a ½-ton pickup,” Bowman said. “And maybe we should look at some quotes for a vehicle like an Explorer or a Suburban.”
“Yes, I’d like to see what’s out there,” Obermier said.
“I think it would be good to look for options,” said Commissioner Daniel Grotz. “As far as the vehicle we already have, I’d like to see more documentation of the usage overlap. And maybe it should be done more in a first-come-first-serve basis rather than have one office have priority. Then if it’s already been spoken for by another office and the veterans’ office needs it, we can instead pay the volunteer driver mileage and they use their own vehicle. I just think we should see if the overlap of need it three times a month or twice a week. I think we need to see if there really is a need for a second vehicle. And that would be something I’d like to see before making a purchase.”
“If there are two vehicles, do we centralize the log-in process for both?” Obermier asked, suggesting the clerk’s office might be the hub for reserving the vehicles. “At this point, I don’t think there is conversation against the vehicle, just conversation to maybe look at this differently.”
They agreed to table the matter until Bulgrin has time to get information.