AgriLife Extension asks county to cover vehicle repairs, prefers leased options over purchase

Angela Fiddler, speaking for the AgriLife Extension Office, told the Kerr County Commissioners Court Thursday that her office is fully staffed but is asking for help to address fleet and modest operational needs. "We have 3 vehicles currently," Fiddler said, listing a 2008 Chevrolet 12-passenger van (about 113,000 miles), a 2018 Ford F-150 (roughly 78,000–79,000 miles) and a leased Ford Explorer from Enterprise.

Fiddler said the F-150 is not currently drivable and she has received two repair estimates in the "ballpark" of $4,200–$4,500. She said Enterprise had offered flexibility including possible trade-in and extended maintenance options for the leased Explorer and that the office had budgeted rental coverage for long trips like College Station. "We don't necessarily think we need to have a van sitting in our parking lot 365 days of the year," she said, explaining a preference for rentals or an SUV that is used more often than a large passenger van.

Other items in the extension office request include a modest increase in vehicle fuel and insurance costs (the office cited a 25% increase in vehicle insurance), repairs and maintenance for the building including a new ice maker, and subscriptions to digital outreach tools such as Canva and Constant Contact to improve public communication.

Commissioners and staff thanked Fiddler for preparing estimates and for pursuing Enterprise trade-in options; the judge said the presentation helped the court place the office's requests in context as it prepares recommendations. Fiddler said her office will be patient as the court considers whether to repair the truck, extend leases, or pursue trade-ins.