By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board approved a contract with Enterprise on Monday night for fleet management.
Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district contacted local dealership Lewis Automotive about a similar lease program. Lewis said they could not match Enterprise's plan and recommended the district use the Enterprise program.
Under the contract, Enterprise will manage the purchase and sale of district vehicles, except buses.
Prior to 2019, the Hays school district bought vehicles through the state bid system at steep discounts. Staff drove the vehicles until they wore out, and then they were auctioned at low prices.
Since the pandemic, that state bid system has not been available. The district has 12 Suburban SUVs, none newer than 2019. Its entire fleet includes 39 non-bus vehicles.
New vehicles would be phased into the fleet over several years.
Both the city of Hays and Ellis County use one of Enterprise's fleet programs.
Board President Curt Vajnar said he contacted the county and other schools that use the program, and their officials spoke highly of Enterprise.
Based on its significant connections and volume, Enterprise can obtain 10 percent more than the average auction price for most of its vehicles.
Enterprise estimates the district would save almost $89,000 over 10 years using its program to purchase and sell vehicles.
Although the vehicles will be newer, Olsen said district insurance costs usually do not increase because of the improved safety features on the newer vehicles.
The district would still use local dealerships for warranty work.
Board member Allen Park said he thought Enterprise gave a good presentation but did not like how the contract was brought to the board.
He and board member Derek Yarmer said they wanted the contract to be bid.
The contract was approved on a vote of 5-2, with Park and Yarmer voting against it.
Hipp also presented the full-time equivalent audited student enrollment of 3152.4, two students within the district budget.