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County explores leasing, plug-in hybrids and charging infrastructure to curb fleet costs
Summary
Madera County staff told supervisors they are evaluating leased fleet models and pilot plug-in hybrid vehicles to reduce maintenance and fuel costs; administration will study contract options and pursue grant funding for charging infrastructure.
During the budget hearings, the county's fleet services budget and alternatives to the traditional buy-and-retire vehicle model drew sustained attention.
The Fleet Services recommended budget for FY2025-26 was listed at $9,054,003.18, a reported increase driven largely by equipment purchases. Mike Motts, sheriff civil unit manager and acting fleet superintendent, told the board a shift to leasing or managed-buy/sell arrangements could produce substantial savings on maintenance, residual values and replacement timing.
Motts and County Administrative Office staff said the county already uses some municipal leasing but is evaluating third-party leasing and fleet-management firms that buy, time and resell vehicles in markets where residual value is higher; staff argued that expertise in market timing can preserve equity and reduce total lifecycle cost for many vehicle types.
Electrification and charging infrastructure Supervisors and fleet staff discussed pilot steps toward electrification. Motts said he has discussed going to plug-in hybrid models for some vehicles and is pursuing grant funding opportunities through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to cover initial costs of plug-in hybrids or charging equipment.
County administration, including Joel Begay, said the county will study options and expects to return later in the summer with a formal presentation, including contract structures and cost-comparison scenarios. Staff noted the county must ensure charging infrastructure is in place before a large-scale switch to fully electric vehicles.
Why it matters: fleet fuel and maintenance are recurring county costs and are vulnerable to volatile fuel prices and market changes in vehicle residual values. Supervisors noted regional refinery closures and potential fuel-supply pressures as a fiscal risk to monitor.
No decision yet The board did not authorize a specific contract or procurement at the hearing; staff will prepare comparative analyses and vendor presentations for a future regular board meeting.
Ending Staff said they will return with a detailed proposal this summer that will include leasing options, cost comparisons, and grant opportunities for vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure.
