Supervisors approve investigator's replacement vehicle but require hybrid review

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted July 8 to approve the purchase of a vehicle for a district attorney investigator but required staff to first confirm whether a hybrid model would meet operational needs.

Andy Alvarado, chief investigator with the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office, told the board the vehicle will replace an investigator's high-mileage unit and is used as a mobile office covering widely dispersed areas. "This vehicle is slated to replace an emergency vehicle currently used by 1 of my investigators," Alvarado said, adding the investigator sometimes travels "as far north as Island Mountain" and needs a reliable vehicle that can quickly refuel in remote areas.

Supervisor Williams noted public interest in the county's fleet-efficiency policy and asked for research into whether a hybrid could meet the investigator's needs. "I think the public encouraged the board to set a policy that we invest in fuel efficient vehicles," Williams said. After discussion, the board approved the purchase on the condition staff verify whether a hybrid would be suitable and return with a written explanation if it is not.

Why it matters: The vote balances two priorities the board cited: operational reliability for an investigator who works in remote locations and the county's broader interest in reducing fuel use and utility costs. Supervisors said aggregate fleet savings could free funds for employee pay and other services.

Vote: The motion to approve the purchase contingent on hybrid confirmation passed unanimously on roll call: Supervisors Williams, Norvell, Mulhern and Hasiak voted yes; one supervisor was recorded absent earlier in the meeting.

Ending: The district attorney's office said it will explore hybrid options and return with clarification; if staff conclude a hybrid is not feasible, the board instructed staff to document the operational reasons for that conclusion.