County approves $1.05 million Caterpillar lease-to-own plan for public-works equipment

The Sedgwick County Board of Bids and Contracts on July 2 approved a lease-to-own plan to acquire two pieces of heavy equipment through a Sourcewell 2026 national pricing agreement and financing with Caterpillar Financial Services, with equipment listed in the presentation at $1,047,271. Purchasing staff presented the recommendation and said the program offers a financing model that reduces downtime and spreads replacement costs.

Lynn Packer, representing Public Works, told the board this is the first time the department is using this specific leasing approach, noting it mirrors an arrangement the Fire Department previously used. "We're mirroring this after ... the Fire Department is using with their lease," Packer said. Purchasing staff said the lease-to-own model supports replacement of larger, higher-cost equipment every five to seven years.

A board member moved to utilize the Sourcewell 2026 National Pricing Agreement for acquisition and financing; another seconded. The motion passed by roll call: Tim Myers, Brandy Bailey, Philip DeBold and Corey Stokes voted yes. The agreement authorizes Public Works to proceed with the procurement and financing as presented.