AJ Johnson

Public Works Administrator

Julie Leonard

Public Works Director

Issue Statement: As outlined in the City’s Vehicle Replacement Schedule, replacing vehicles that have exceeded their useful life reduces maintenance costs, improves reliability, and ensures continuity of service delivery. New vehicles enhance operational efficiency, support environmental sustainability goals, and reflect the City’s commitment to professionalism.

The City has historically utilized the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) cooperative purchasing program to procure new and replacement vehicles. FSA conducts a competitive procurement process on behalf of local governments throughout the State of Florida. The State is divided into four regions, and bids are solicited to leverage volume purchasing, resulting in competitive pricing for participating agencies.

A copy of Florida Sheriffs Association Contract #25-VEH-23.0 is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office.

Recommended Action: City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) Starcraft Allstar F-650 Gas 40+2 bus from Model 1, pursuant to FSA Contract No. 25-VEH-23.0, in the amount of $214,642, for use by the Public Works Department and the Parks and Leisure Services Department, and approving the related proposed budget amendment.

The Public Works Fleet Division conducts an annual assessment of all City vehicles and equipment as part of the budget development process. Each fleet unit is evaluated based on mechanical condition, operational reliability, and maintenance costs. Vehicles demonstrating significant wear or escalating maintenance expenses are identified for replacement. These evaluations form the basis of the City’s Five-Year Replacement Plan, which is incorporated into the annually adopted budget.

As part of the FY26 Adopted Budget, funding was allocated for the replacement of Unit #841, a 2014 20-passenger Chevrolet mini-bus with approximately 11,250 miles, used by the Parks and Leisure Services Department. Fleet staff has extended the useful life of this vehicle; however, due to age and reliability concerns, the unit is now in need of replacement.

To better support City programs that have grown significantly over the years, the proposed replacement vehicle is a Starcraft Allstar F-650 gas-powered bus with seating for 40 passengers, plus wheelchair accessibility for 2 additional passengers. The bus will be used to transport childcare participants and active adults on field trips, provide shuttle service for events, and conduct City tours for special occasions, including vendor tours related to bids and tours for dignitaries or workshops. 

As part of the City’s Vehicle Replacement Program, some vehicle purchases are made utilizing the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Contract. The purchase price of the Starcraft Allstar F-650 gas-powered bus is $214,642 inclusive of additional optios and net of dealer discount. While this vehicle replacement was included in the FY 2026 Vehicle Replacement Plan, the cost exceeds the original budget estimate. Attached as Exhibit D is the proposed budget amendment to provide the additional funding.

The proposed expenditure is as follows:

City Commission adopt a resolution approving the proposed budget amendment and authorizing the purchase of one (1) Starcraft Allstar F-650 Gas 40+2 bus from Model 1, pursuant to FSA Contract No. 25-VEH-23.0, in the amount of $214,642, for use by the Public Works Department and the Parks and Leisure Services Department, and approve the proposed Budget Amendment.