To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Social Services
Meeting Date: September 1, 2026
Department Contact: Stephen White Phone: 707-467-5868 Department Contact: Brandon McGregor Phone: 707-463-7956
Item Type: Consent Agenda 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...
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