A new but used car will join the Goleta parking enforcement vehicle fleet.

The Goleta City Council authorized city staff on Tuesday to directly negotiate with vendors to buy a pre-owned model of the Chevrolet Bolt electric utility vehicle and related equipment not to exceed $35,000.

The previous car, the GO-4 electric vehicle, was purchased in 2017 and has reached its end of life, according to city staff. 

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV was selected after the city collaborated with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and held discussions with the City of Santa Barbara and UC Santa Barbara parking enforcement staff. 

However, the 2025 Chevrolet Bolt EUVs are no longer available to buy, and 2026 models will not hit car dealerships for a while, leaving the only other alternative to look for used models.

City staff are looking for pre-owned models no more than two years old, have fewer than 20,000 miles and offer an extended warranty. 

Usually, city staff would receive bids for purchases that are up to $45,000 for them to approve. However, because of the complexities and differences that every pre-owned vehicle possesses, it is not possible for vendors to submit their bids.

City staff previously authorized funding in June to hire another parking enforcement officer. The Sheriff’s Office expects to appoint someone to the position in winter 2026. 

Following the hiring, staff will return to the council to ask for another parking enforcement vehicle similar to the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Councilman James Kyriaco was not present for Tuesday’s meeting.