Parlier approves purchase of five vehicles under San Joaquin Valley Air District grant

The Parlier City Council voted March 7 to authorize staff to proceed with purchasing five vehicles under a San Joaquin Valley Air District grant program that provides up to $20,000 per vehicle (maximum $100,000) to offset city costs for electric or hybrid fleet replacements.

Staff presented vehicle specifics and estimated pricing: Toyota Prius Prime hybrids at roughly $38,000 each for several city departments, an animal‑control Ford F‑150 crew cab at about $63,000, a public‑works Chevrolet Silverado (fully electric) at about $74,000 and a police patrol hybrid at about $50,000. Staff listed a total purchase amount of $264,815.13 and said the San Joaquin Valley Air District rebate would reduce the city’s net cost to about $164,815.13.

Residents raised questions about whether additional patrol vehicles would make streets noticeably safer and about how the purchases fit into the city’s budget. One public commenter urged more police presence—“We do need more cars”—but also asked for clearer information about the city’s overall budget. Staff replied that departments operate within last year’s fiscal budget while awaiting completion of the city audit and that some vehicle deliveries would be timed so most of the expense would be handled across fiscal years.

After discussion about delivery schedules, budget impact and departmental needs, council approved the staff recommendation by voice vote recorded in the meeting as "Motion carries 4 yes and 1 absent." Staff said they will return with purchase and encumbrance details as vendors confirm availability and delivery timing.