Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fleet Electrification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes purchase of electric Monarch tractor with APCD grant and 3CE rebate eligibility
Summary
The council authorized the city manager to buy an electric Monarch tractor not to exceed $114,750 and to accept a Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District off‑road equipment replacement voucher. Staff said reimbursements and rebates would offset most of the cost.
The City Council authorized the city manager to purchase a Monarch electric tractor for up to $114,750 and to execute the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) voucher agreement that will reimburse a portion of the cost under the Off‑Road Equipment Replacement Program.
Public Works staff explained the request is part of a broader effort to transition city equipment from fossil fuels to electric alternatives. The tractor is proposed to replace a 2016 John Deere diesel model (about 42.5 horsepower) used for beach raking, mowing and other maintenance tasks. Staff said the Monarch MKV tractor is a 100% electric model with an effective horsepower range of 40–70 depending on load and a run time of roughly 14 hours on a full charge; it comes with tractor and battery warranties. Staff demonstrated the model at an APCD event and said city maintenance staff were satisfied with its performance.
Funding plan: staff said the city is conditionally awarded $67,000 through the APCD Clean Air grant (voucher reimbursement upon pre‑inspection and equipment destruction requirements) and is eligible for up to $50,000 in rebates through Central Coast Community Energy’s (3CE) agricultural electrification program. The APCD grant requires destruction of the old diesel unit at a district‑approved facility and operation of the new equipment within Santa Barbara County. Staff said the city would cover upfront costs and be reimbursed per grant rules; the major equipment fund has sufficient balance so no immediate appropriation was required.
Council asked about hauling and disposal of the old unit, charger charging locations and potential production delays. Staff said destruction and transport would be arranged (possible hauling costs) and charging would occur at city hall initially with a future charging location possible near use sites. Staff reported no known production delays affecting the Monarch model at the time of the report.
The council approved the recommendation in a roll call vote.
