In December 2021, The Board of Health unanimously adopted the 2022 budget (Exhibit A), which included $400,000 for the purchase of new vehicles. These vehicles were a mix of fleet replacement for aging vehicles and addition of new vehicles to support new field staff authorized in the 2022 budget. The Board gave direction to introduce more electric and hybrid vehicles into the fleet, reducing the agency’s carbon footprint and vehicle fuel and maintenance costs.

The vehicle supply chain is still impacted due to downstream impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult to sequence individual vehicle purchase requests through the conventional Program Policy Committee, Administration Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Health Meeting process for approval. Staff are requesting authorization to purchase vehicles as they become available within the adopted budget and the prioritization of electric vehicle and hybrid vehicles over conventional gas vehicles. Vehicles purchased under this authority would be reported to the Board as part of the Administrative Officer’s report.

Consistent with Resolution 19-20 and the revised Division of Responsibilities (10/8/19), the Board of Health has authority over the Health District budget.

MOVE TO authorize the Administrative Officer to purchase vehicles within the allocated limits of the 2022 Adopted Budget.