Marshall County Council approves $1.58 million vehicle lease for Highway Department

The Marshall County Council unanimously approved leasing a fleet of new and used vehicles for the Highway Department during its meeting Monday evening, with the total purchase price coming in at $1,588,500 to be spread over the next six years.

Highway Department Superintendent Peters said the agreement covers the purchase of three new pickup trucks, two new single axle dump trucks, two new tandem axle dump trucks, and two used tandem axle dump trucks. The vehicles will be financed through the county's Cumulative Capital Development (Cum Cap) Fund.

Under the lease terms, the county will pay only the interest in 2027 — amounting to $76,788.09. Beginning in 2028, the county will make five annual payments of $356,988.22 each, running through 2032. Peters noted that the county still has one payment remaining on its current vehicle lease, making 2027 essentially a bridge year before the new payment schedule kicks in.

Council President Tim Harman said the Highway Department generates approximately $1.2 million in the Cum Cap Fund annually. Councilman Brandon Schadek noted that much of the county's technology budget also draws from Cum Cap, but Harman said his calculations indicate the fund should still carry a million-dollar balance at the end of this year.

Peters said the county has already secured its build slot with the vendor. Unlike years past, trucks are no longer available on the lot — they are built to order, making it important to reserve a place in the production queue early.

Waiting also comes with a financial cost. Peters warned that the next round of trucks will run approximately $30,000 more per vehicle due to new emission controls taking effect in 2027, adding urgency to moving forward with the purchase now.

The Marshall County Council approved the purchase unanimously.