Commission panel backs purchase of four command SUVs amid efficiency questions

Shelby County’s public-works committee on Monday recommended that the full commission approve the purchase of four Chevrolet SUV emergency response vehicles for the county fire department, a spend not to exceed $238,742 from FY2026 fire enterprise funds. The measure will be taken up by the full commission on Monday.

Deputy Fire Chief Eric Jackson told commissioners the vehicles are intended to replace command-staff cars that have reached their mileage under the department’s replacement plan. “This item before you is an item to replace four of our command staff vehicles, which has reached their mileage according to our replacement plan,” Jackson said.

Commissioner Erica Sugarman acknowledged the immediate need but pressed staff on whether the county had evaluated more fuel-efficient alternatives. “Is it a hybrid? And if not, have you all looked at any hybrids or any types of vehicles that would make it more efficient?” she asked. Jackson said the department researched hybrid and electric options about four years ago and cited department experience and industry reports that some hybrid and electric models have proved unreliable for emergency response roles. He said those findings had discouraged purchases since.

Sugarman said she supported the item for this meeting but warned she would press for efficiency improvements going forward. “I will go ahead and support this item today, but in the future I will not,” she said.

Commissioner Billy Wright asked how the county disposes of vehicles that are being replaced. Maintenance manager Matthew Robinson said the sheriff’s office repurposes them to other staff according to an internal mileage-based pass-down plan.

The committee recorded “I” votes from Commissioners Sugarman, Wright, Morrison and Mills and moved the item with a favorable recommendation to the full commission.