Rising Sun approves lease purchase of three town vehicles, authorizes administrator to sign contract

The Town of Rising Sun commissioners voted on March 12 to approve Resolution 2024-03 authorizing the lease purchase of three replacement vehicles for town operations.

The resolution authorizes acquisition of two Ford Interceptor police vehicles (equipped with lights and communications) and a Chevrolet Tahoe for code enforcement, emergency management and general administration, at a combined vehicle cost not to exceed $205,000. The town described the arrangement as tax-exempt leasing with an expected five-year lease term and an option to own at the lease’s end.

As written in the adopted resolution, the mayor and commissioners “grant full authority to the town administrator, Calvin A. Bonneboga Jr., to negotiate, enter into, and execute a contract with the leasing company on behalf of the town, ensuring that all terms and conditions of the contract are consistent with the parameters set forth in this resolution.”

Town officials explained the town had delayed some vehicle replacement plans because of pandemic-related supply-chain problems and rising equipment costs, and that several current vehicles were four to six years old. Presenters noted increases in parts costs and equipment pricing as reasons for leasing now to ensure reliable public-safety and town services.

The motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; the meeting record reflects the resolution is in effect following the vote.

Next steps: Town Administrator Calvin A. Bonneboga Jr. was authorized to finalize lease terms and to sign related documents consistent with the resolution’s parameters.