AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Approving the Updated City of Lodi Fleet Policy
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MEETING DATE:
November 18, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Jennelle Baker-Bechthold, Budget Manager
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recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution approving the updated City of Lodi Fleet Policy.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City’s Fleet Policy was last updated in 2008 (Attachment 1). Since that time, vehicle purchasing costs, available technologies, operational needs, and fleet management practices have changed substantially. The existing policy requires modernization to provide consistent direction for acquiring, assigning, operating, maintaining, and replacing the vehicles and equipment used to deliver City services.
On July 1, 2026, the City Council approved Purchasing Policy revisions that increased the City Manager’s authority to purchase vehicles with a total value of up to $100,000. This change prompted the need to update the Fleet Policy to align the two policies and provide clear, consistent purchasing authority. The proposed Fleet Policy, included as Attachment 2 (Exhibit A), incorporates the $100,000 threshold and clarifies that the purchase price includes a complete, service-ready vehicle, including essential equipment, modifications, and technology. Purchases exceeding this threshold continue to require City Council approval. Any increase in the authorized size of the City’s fleet also continues to require Council approval, regardless of the purchase amount.
The addition of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet further highlighted the need for updated policy direction. Traditional replacement criteria based primarily on age and mileage do not fully address electric vehicle performance, battery condition, charging requirements, or long-term ownership costs. The proposed policy establishes a framework for evaluating electric vehicles based on battery health, usable range, operational suitability, warranty coverage, maintenance needs, and th...
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