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Council hears staff case for electric pool vehicle but asks for more analysis and defers purchase
Summary
Public works staff proposed replacing an aging pool vehicle with a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to reduce emissions and operating costs, but council members raised budget, warranty and battery-replacement concerns and asked staff to defer the purchase until next fiscal year and return with more analysis.
City staff presented a proposal to replace a long-in-service pool vehicle with a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (extended-range battery) to reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Interim Public Works Director Todd Cely described age-related mechanical issues in the existing vehicle and estimated the vendor price for the new EV at about $41,697.
Council discussion focused on fiscal timing, vehicle selection and state procurement expectations. Several council members expressed reluctance to proceed immediately while the city is addressing a budget deficit; others raised the limited data on used EV batteries and the potential $15,000 battery-replacement exposure over the long term. Staff noted state Air Resources Board guidance encourages increasingly electrified fleets and that the city has limited carve-outs for essential response vehicles.
Outcome: Council signaled consensus to defer the planned purchase to the next fiscal year to allow more education, comparison of alternatives (including certified used EVs and hybrids where allowed), and a fuller assessment of fleet replacement timing and warranties. Staff agreed to return with additional analysis and cost-comparison information.
Next steps: staff will prepare materials on alternatives, used-EV risks, warranty coverage, and longer-term fleet replacement strategy tied to state requirements before bringing the purchase back to council for a formal decision.
