Title
a. Approve the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office request to utilize the existing Board‑approved Master Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust to replace seven (7) vehicles currently enrolled in the program.
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent to execute seven (7) Open‑End (Equity) Lease Rate Quotes, totaling $410,844 under the Master Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust, for the replacement of seven (7) Sheriff’s Office vehicles; and further authorize continued replacement of these enrolled vehicles through the program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office request to utilize the existing Board‑approved Master Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust to replace seven (7) vehicles currently enrolled in the program.
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent to execute seven (7) Open‑End (Equity) Lease Rate Quotes, totaling $410,844, under the Master Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust, for the replacement of seven (7) Sheriff’s Office vehicles; and further authorize continued replacement of these enrolled vehicles through the program.
SUMMARY:
On May 11, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved the Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust (Board Order A-15221) for the leasing of vehicles for Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust was executed on May 25, 2021. At this time, ten (10) vehicles were leased for 48 months. Now seven (7) of these vehicles are in the process of being returned and seven (7) new vehicles are needed to replace them. This board report provides a mechanism for the Sheriff’s Office to be able to obtain vehicles when a subsequent leased vehicle has been or is in the process of being returned to Enterprise.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office leases unmarked vehicles for its investigation unit. Investigations personnel still operate fully equipped code 3 capable vehicles. These vehicles are unmarked and the emergency equipment is concealed or subdued so the vehicles are not readily identifiable as law enforcement vehicles. Covert vehicles are essential for investigative assignments. When detectives are contacting victims or witnesses of violent or sensitive crimes, it is important to protect their privacy. Additionally, it is critically important for investigators to remain undetected when they covertly surveil, track and follow suspects. Once an investigative vehicle has been identified or “burned” by suspects, that vehicle has little value for covert operations. One of the operational values brought by this lease is the ability to turn in or exchange a vehicle if it gets identified as a Sheriff’s vehicle. Utilizing Enterprise also increases our access to a wide variety of both domestic and import vehicles. The use of non-traditional government vehicles bolters our ability to be discreet.
Under the Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise, MCSO will make a down payment and pay licensing fees for the leased vehicles and then make regularly scheduled monthly payments for 48 months. MCSO will also be able to turn a vehicle in after one year if necessary. Enterprise will factory order vehicles in addition to pulling from dealer stock, thus creating a cost efficient and proactive vehicle replacement program. Enterprise will also coordinate all after-market equipment, and vehicles will be delivered ready to put into service. The benefit of refreshing the MCSO vehicles on a scheduled rotational basis would allow for reduced maintenance costs, newer low mileage vehicles, and the ability to replace a vehicle if it becomes identified or compromised.
MCSO will continue to utilize Fleet Management for maintenance on the lease vehicles.
The County is currently looking at leasing vehicles from Enterprise.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Counsel has approved the agreement as to legal form and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed but does not agree with the non-standard payment provision.
FINANCING:
The funding for this agreement was included in the Sheriff’s FY 26-27 Adopted Budget. There are no General Fund Contribution impact resulting from this Board Action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed recommended action demonstrates the County’s commitment to provide public safety in the County of Monterey.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
__ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Arthur Curtright, Management Analyst III, Ext #3708
Reviewed by: Nicole Davis, Chief Deputy, Ext #3707
Reviewed by: Keith Boyd, Undersheriff, Ext #3859
Approved by: Tina Nieto, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext # 3750
Attachment(s):
Master Equity Lease Agreement
Letter from Enterprise acknowledging usage of Master Equity Lease Agreement
Example of Open-End (Equity) Lease Rate Quote
Cost for 7 Enterprise Vehicles