Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for Grant Funds from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grant to Partially Fund the Purchase of Replacement Vehicles for the Police Department and Purchasing Department, Accepting Grant Funding if Awarded, Waiving the Competitive Bid Process, and Approval to Purchase up to (5) Vehicles and Outfit (3) Vehicles with Police Lighting and Emergency Equipment
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Police Department to apply for grant funding from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grant program to partially fund the purchase of new vehicles for the Police Department and Purchasing Department, accepting grant funding if awarded, waiving the competitive bid process, and approval to purchase up to (5) vehicles and outfit (3) of the vehicles with police lighting and emergency equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-15, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, to Apply for Grant Funding and Accept Grant Funding, If Awarded, from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grants Program; and,
If Awarded:
B. Accepting up to $100,000 from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District to replace Vehicles P-1305 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1306 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1308 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1309 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), E-876 Chevrolet Venture (transport and delivery vehicle); and,
C. Approving to increase revenue in the General fund up to $100,000 and appropriating the same; and,
D. Approving to use pooled cash until grant reimbursement is received; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District Grant Award and other necessary documents if approved as to form by the City Attorney; and,
F. Approving to waive the competitive bidding process per MMC 3.4.210, to purchase (4) replacement vehicles from Razzari Ford in the amount of $133,899.94, (1) replacement vehicle from Tesla in the amount of $45,749.29 and to outfit (3) of the vehicles with police lighting and emergency equipment in the amount of $5,532.81; and,
G. Allowing the Purchasing Supervisor to issue the purchase orders.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Merced Police Department (MPD) received this same grant funding beginning in 2019, 2022, and 2024.
Description
Grant applications are due December 31st, 2026.
The grant’s mission is to meet the needs and challenges faced by Valley public institutions by providing funds towards a wide variety of clean-air, public-benefit projects which will provide a direct benefit to Valley residents. The funding for this program is limited to public agencies such as cities, counties, special districts (i.e. water districts, irrigation districts, etc.), and public educational institutions (i.e. school districts, community colleges, state universities, etc.) located within the geographic boundaries of the district. The grant provides funding for the purchase of new alternative fueled vehicles (Electric, Plug-In Hybrid, CNG, LNG, LPG, etc).
The grant funding offers a maximum of $20,000 per vehicle with a maximum of $100,000 per agency per calendar year.
The Police Department plans to submit an application for up to (5) five cars at $20,000 per car up to the maximum of $100,000.
It is a reimbursement grant. Funds are first expended by the Police Department and Purchasing Department and then requests for reimbursement are submitted upon completion of the purchase.
Funding to support the expenditure has been allocated from expense savings within the Fiscal Year 25-26 approved budget for both the Police Department and the Purchasing Department, ensuring that the City has the necessary appropriations in place to proceed with the purchases prior to reimbursement. The cost to purchase the (5) vehicles is $179,639.23 in addition to $5,532.81 in outfitting costs for (3) of the police vehicles for a total balance of $185,172.04. The maximum reimbursement from the grant for (5) vehicles at $20,000 per car up to the maximum of $100,000 would leave the City with a remaining balance of $85,172.04.
The Police Department is requesting approval to waive the competitive bidding process and to purchase up to (5) vehicles. The vehicles are currently available on local dealer lots and are being held for the City. Delaying the purchase to complete a formal bidding process may result in the loss of these vehicles and could jeopardize the department’s ability to meet grant timelines.
Additionally, (3) of the (5) vehicles will require police lighting and emergency equipment installation. The Police Department is requesting permission to purchase the necessary equipment.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting that Council approve applying for the grant up to $100,000, accepting the grant, if awarded, waiving the competitive bidding process, and allowing the purchase of police lighting and emergency equipment. The city’s contribution for the purchase of the vehicles will be $85,172.04 for all 5 vehicles. No additional appropriation is needed for the city contribution as it is available in the FY 25-26 adopted budget.
This item requires 5 votes for approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-15 to Apply for the Grant
2. Vehicle Quote from Tesla
3. Vehicle Quotes from Razzari Ford
4. Police Lighting and Equipment Quote from Dana Supply