To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Social Services
Meeting Date: September 1, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Stephen White |
Phone: |
707-467-5868 |
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Department Contact: |
Brandon McGregor |
Phone: |
707-463-7956 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Approval for Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit to Purchase Two (2) 2026 Dodge Durango GT AWD Vehicles, Ranging in Price from $48,000 to $50,000 Each, Utilizing California TANF Fraud Incentive Funds; and Approval of Addition of Items to the County’s List of Fixed Assets
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Approve the Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit to purchase two (2) 2026 Dodge Durango GT AWD vehicles, ranging in price from $48,000 to $50,000 each, utilizing TANF Fraud Inventive Funds; Approve addition of items to the County’s list of fixed assets; and authorize Chair to sign same.
EndTo
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None.
Summary of Request:
The Department of Social Services requests approval to purchase two 2026 Dodge Durango GT AWD vehicles for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU currently has only two operational vehicles, one of which, Unit 24-109, has approximately 97,000 miles. Since October 2025, four SIU vehicles have been surplused due to age, high mileage, and repair costs exceeding their value. As a result, the SIU fleet has been significantly reduced, limiting the Unit’s ability to maintain reliable transportation for daily investigations and emergency response activities.
SIU investigators are sworn peace officers responsible for investigating public assistance fraud throughout Mendocino County. Their duties include interviews, surveillance, home visits, evidence collection, and assisting Family and Children’s Services with warrants and juvenile transport.
The purchase of the Dodge Durango is recommended to support SIU operations throughout rural Mendocino County. Investigators routinely travel long distances and access remote, unpaved, steep, and weather-affected roads while transporting staff, investigative equipment, evidence, and emergency supplies. Given these operating conditions, all-wheel drive, ground clearance, durability, cargo capacity, and overall operational flexibility are important considerations for the SIU fleet.
Per Policy 44 (3.6.10), the Department considered hybrid vehicle alternatives. A hybrid all-terrain vehicle was evaluated; however, it was more expensive than the 2026 Dodge Durango GT AWD. In addition to the higher acquisition cost, a hybrid SUV designed primarily around fuel efficiency does not provide the same operational suitability for the sustained rural and remote travel required of SIU personnel. Investigators frequently travel between multiple locations and may need to respond with little advance notice, making reliance on charging infrastructure impractical for many assignments. Using a vehicle that is not well suited to sustain rural terrain may also increase wear, maintenance costs, and downtime, potentially offsetting anticipated fuel savings.
The 2026 Dodge Durango GT AWD is considered fuel-efficient for its vehicle class and includes a stop-start system that reduces unnecessary fuel consumption while idling. Its Pentastar V6 engine provides a balance of performance, durability, and fuel efficiency while providing the capability necessary for rural operations. The vehicle also provides substantial payload and towing capability, allowing SIU vehicles to transport equipment and, when needed during an emergency, tow shelter or other operational trailers.
The Durango’s AWD capability and higher ground clearance are particularly important for safely accessing rural roads affected by steep terrain, mud, snow, flooding, debris, and other adverse conditions. Its cargo capacity also provides the flexibility necessary to carry investigative equipment, emergency supplies, and other mission-essential materials. These capabilities make the Durango better suited to the Department’s actual operating environment than a vehicle selected primarily for fuel economy.
The purchase will be funded entirely through California TANF Fraud Incentive Funds, authorized under 45 CFR § 263.0(b). These funds are generated from county collections on client-caused CalWORKs overpayments. No County General Fund dollars will be used for this purchase.
Approval of this purchase will restore the SIU fleet to an appropriate level of operational readiness and provide investigators with safe, reliable, and capable vehicles suited to the conditions in which they work. The purchase will support the Department’s ability to conduct fraud investigations, assist Family and Children’s Services, respond to disasters and emergencies, and fulfil SIU’s statutory and law enforcement responsibilities throughout Mendocino County.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: California TANF Fraud Incentive Funds (45 CFR § 263.0(b)) |
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current f/y cost: $106,680.60 (estimated) |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: $0 |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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