Sarasota News Leader

11/08/2013

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Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 Page 64 mode, we are going to be in the woods, and SECOND GO-ROUND deeper in the woods." This is not the first time in recent months that Patterson said she is fretful the fleet expan- the topic of county fleet vehicle replacement sion could be indicative of a move away from has proved controversial. In July, com"a glide path" that aligns county income and missioners voiced frustration that county revenue. staffers were recommending automatic conHowever, Patterson was reluctant to delay tract renewals for vehicle purchases and not approval of changes that could clear the way checking to see if better deals could be found. for the county to seek lower prices on new At the time, Barbetta said he was upset that vehicles by seeking bids from additional ven- staff proposed renewing a Charlotte County Ford contract, withdors. Still, she agreed out checking with with Robinson that the commission should be Thirty-four percent [of the county's Sarasota Ford and taking a broader look fleet] is beyond the expected life cycle, Matthews Currie Ford at fleet purchases. which is costing us a lot more in to determine whether maintenance costs. either or both could Barbetta also said he offer lower prices. does not want to see Norm West a return to previous levels of pre-recession spending. Vehicle Replacement Coordinator Sarasota County On Tuesday, Gable told the commissioners that their approval "I think we were fat before, and we needed to of purchase policies that day would clear the streamline," Barbetta noted. "Coming out of way for the county to seek bids from three the recession, we are streamlined and better additional vendors. able to perform." "We have used them in the past," Gable said Hines commended Robinson for bringing the of the companies. "Their prices are very good, and their selection is very diverse." issue to the forefront. "It's a little concerning that we just went through a budget process, and we hear there is already — before the next budget — a budget amendment of several million [dollars]," Hines said. That also could clear the way for finding lower prices. Robinson made the motion to hold a more in-depth conversation on fleet replacement — noting that the topic was discussed in July. It will cost roughly $10.3 million to purchase "I think it's worthy of a second go-around. I 300 new vehicles, Gable pointed out. That think we need to understand where we are works out to an average of $34,333 for each getting these vehicles from and are we getting new vehicle. them the best way," Robinson said. %

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