NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to purchase a 2023 Ford Transit 350 XL 15 passenger van for Brown County Human Services Tuesday.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Dave Borchert, seconded by Brian Braun to buy an all-wheel drive van for $63,415 plus required fees from Harrison Ford, Mankato. American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds of $31,138 from 2022 and $19,024 in federal funding will be used for the purchase, leaving an $8,840 difference.

Last month, the board signed a 2022 South Central Community Based Initiative contract amendment providing an additional $28,799.49 of unbudgeted revenue for the 2023 human services budget, which more than covers the cost difference.

Commissioner Borchert asked about other quotes but learned other quotes were not available due to unavailability of similar vehicles from other dealers.

Brown County Human Services requested the purchase primarily for clubhouse activities with six or eight clients or two vans were used. Brown County Human Services family facilitators used older, smaller vans for children’s group activities.

The Brown County Human Services clubhouse coordinator test drove the 2023 van and said it is easier to enter and exit from and has larger windows for better viewing.

The purchase request includes selling a 2015 Dodge Caravan with more than 100,000 miles for $4,413.