Gresham City Council Work Session, Oct. 6, 2026

The Gresham City Council work session on October 6, 2026, focused on the city’s fleet purchasing and replacement process. Staff described the equipment replacement fund, which tracks each vehicle and piece of equipment by department, estimated lifespan, and replacement cost; annual contributions are included in the budget. The city reviews vehicle condition and repair history each year, weighs lifecycle costs and resale value, and generally purchases through state-negotiated or other cooperative contracts when advantageous. When those are unavailable, staff solicit bids and typically award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The fleet includes 512 vehicles and equipment items. No specific vehicle purchase, contract award, or spending amount was approved at this work session, and the council took no action.

Council members discussed the city’s 2010 Buy Local resolution and the legal limits on giving local vendors a purchasing preference under Oregon contracting rules. Staff said they still consider nearby vendors where feasible, while complying with procurement requirements; a council member noted that the city attorney had recommended further discussion in a separate memo. Staff also reported that tire purchases use a state contract, and that surplus vehicles are currently sold through Jay Stout Auctions, whose business has moved to Washington. Auction proceeds return to the fund or department associated with the vehicle and can help offset future costs. Other discussion covered maintenance performed by the city’s fleet shop and its lean staffing, but no procurement-related motions or votes occurred.