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TACIR releases draft rolling‑stock report highlighting vehicle procurement delays, offers non‑legislative mitigation strategies
Summary
TACIR staff presented a draft report on rolling‑stock procurement delays — fire trucks, school buses and other municipal vehicles — citing supply‑chain related cost increases and long lead times; the report recommends administrative strategies local governments can adopt without new legislation.
TACIR staff presented a draft report for review on challenges state and local governments face acquiring rolling stock such as fire trucks, salt trucks and school buses.
Senior Research Associate Presley Powers told commissioners interviews with more than 30 Tennessee officials identified significant cost increases and procurement delays tied to global supply‑chain disruptions linked to the COVID‑19 pandemic. The report describes strategies governments can adopt without new state law, including developing vehicle maintenance and replacement plans, leveraging fleet‑management software, renting or exploring alternative vehicles, consolidating fleet purchases, and refitting commercially available chassis when appropriate.
Powers said at least one private ambulance provider in Chattanooga refits transit vans into ambulances because that approach can be faster and cheaper than waiting for specialized chassis. The draft emphasizes short‑term, administrative adaptations rather than recommending state‑level procurement changes.
Commissioners thanked staff and requested further review; no vote was required for the draft report itself.
