Item:
Title
Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC070 Transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety Functional Area to the General Government Functional Area to Purchase a Replacement SUV for the Fire Marshal’s Office
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: March 23, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC070 transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area to purchase a replacement SUV for the Fire Marshal’s Office.
One of the Fire Marshal’s Office response vehicles, a 2018 Ford F-150, was evaluated by the dealership for engine and transmission issues. The resulting estimate totals $23,141.74 and includes full replacement of both components. County Fleet policy specifies that a vehicle should be replaced when repair costs meet or exceed 75 percent of its current value. According to JD Power (formerly NADA), the current value of this vehicle is $18,745.00, meaning the repair estimate represents approximately 123 percent of its value.
The replacement cost also includes the County’s estimated pricing for a suitable large SUV, which is $66,000. In addition, an estimated $16,500 is required for necessary upfit work, including installation of emergency response equipment and proper storage solutions for personal protective equipment (PPE). These upfits are essential to ensure the vehicle meets operational, safety, and regulatory requirements for Fire Marshal use.
This vehicle plays a vital role in supporting Fire Marshal operations. It is routinely used for emergency response to fires, on scene investigations, inspections, and other essential Fire Marshal duties throughout the county. The loss or prolonged downtime of this vehicle directly impacts the office’s ability to respond promptly and maintain operational readiness. Ensuring reliable transportation is critical for maintaining service levels, meeting statutory responsibilities, and supporting overall public safety.
The purchase will be completed using existing budgeted funds from the Office of Emergency Services, however the vehicle will be purchased through the vehicles fund center, requiring the transfer of budgetary funding from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Safe and Resilient Community
Resource Persons: Mark Lockhart, NRP, Director, Office of Emergency Services and Marc Ferguson, Business Operations Officer
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Ordinance No. 26BCC070 transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area to pay for a replacement SUV for Fire Marshal’s Office.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________