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Council rewarded for local shopping commitment
Vehicle purchased from Rincon Chevrolet
City of Rincon sign

RINCON — During a special called meeting Monday night, the Rincon City Council stuck to its commitment to shop local.

The council voted unanimously to purchase a 2020 Equinox from Rincon Chevrolet. Its $24,000 bid was $500 less than its lone competitor..

City Manager John Klimm sought a bid from Rincon Chevrolet after receiving one from a dealer listed among state contractors.

 “... We bought some (Rincon Chevrolet) vehicles in the past and it wasn’t the low bid but it is your desire when possible to shop local and I really respect that,” City Manager John Klimm told the council before the vote. “I think this bid is a reaction to our request because they actually came in lower (this time) and I applaud them because, you know — not only are we getting a less expensive vehicle — Rincon Chevrolet is out there for the events for the community things that they do and all of those things so I’d like to think they heard our request and our plea, and they’ve come in lower, which I really applaud.”

Mayor Ken Lee echoed Klimm’s thoughts.

“I appreciate that and am glad that they did because we ended up paying more for the last vehicles for a purpose, for a reason, and apparently they recognized it."

The Equinox, which will be used by council members and city staff, will replace an 11-year-old Ford Expedition that has become unreliable. Rincon Chevrolet listed its trade-in value at $5,414.

“The Kelly Blue Book value is around six grand but it is not in very good shape,” Klimm said. “The leather is worn. The vehicle is worn.”

The council opted for a trade instead of putting the Expedition up for auction.

Klimm said the city has SPLOST funds available to purchase a police vehicle but has been unable to find one.

“They’re just not available,” he said.