Focus Area: Economy
Staff Contact: Lucas Mellinger, Clara Bernauer
________________________________________________________________________________
title:
title
Public Hearing to Amend 2026 Budget for Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
recommended motion:
A motion to close the public hearing.
________________________________________________________________________________
Summary:
The proposed amendment to the 2026 Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) budget is needed because several vehicles and fire apparatus ordered in prior years were not delivered until 2026.
The proposed budget amendment does not represent a new funding request or an increase to the City's planned vehicle replacement program. Rather, it provides the necessary budget authority to pay for purchases that were previously planned and funded but are being delivered in the current year. These purchases have always been contemplated and planned for in the financial forecasts, but the budget authority that was adopted for this fund is not currently adequate to cover all of the purchases that will actually hit in 2026.
The City budgets for vehicle replacements based on anticipated delivery dates, but extended manufacturing lead times and supply-chain delays have affected arrival estimates. Approximately $8.9M in vehicle purchases that have occurred in 2026 were related to purchase orders from as far back as fall of 2022. This included five Fire apparatuses, totaling nearly $5.2M.
As a result of this amendment, the 2026 Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) legal budget authority will increase from $12,950,236 to $22,166,989.
Kansas law requires a public hearing before amending the current-year budget. Notice of tonight’s public hearing was published on November 3, 2026. Adoption of the amendment is recommended for December 1, 2026.
________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Information:
This amendment is not a new funding request or an increase the City’s planned vehicle replacement plan. The amendment is required for current year expenditure timing only.
The Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) accounts for the City’s capital fleet replacements. The VERF is an internal service fund, funded through operating fund contributions via internal lease fees.
Staff will continue to monitor delivery schedules and budget impacts to ensure the City’s vehicle replacement program remains appropriately managed.
________________________________________________________________________________
Attachment(s):
A. Drafted Amended Certificate for Calendar Year 2026