The Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell has purchased the first Hybrid vehicles in Rutherford County for fleet use. The Rutherford County Property Assessor's office is the only assessor's office in the state to undertake this type of acquisition. The purchase of two Ford C-Max Hybrids is funded through a grant with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. It is part of the Clean Tennessee Energy Grants administered by the Office of Sustainable Practices, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Rutherford County Property Assessor's office chose the Ford C-Max Hybrid not only because of how it impacts our environment but because of its cost effective nature. The Ford C-Max Hybrid has a projected 522 miles of total driving range including more than 20 miles in electric mode. The C-Max can get 45 miles per gallon in the city,40 miles per gallon on the highway, and 43 combined.

When you compare the Ford C-Max Hybrid to its competition it is the most affordable in its market segment. Rob Mitchell the Rutherford County Property Assessor said, "With the fuel savings the vehicle will completely pay for itself in ten years. This means that we are not only making our air quality better but after ten years the savings mean the vehicle was free! It is very possible to save taxpayers money and still be environmentally responsible".

The Assessor's office partnered locally with Ford of Murfreesboro to purchase both C-Max Hybrids. Assessor Mitchell will be sharing how they prepared the grant and the process they undertook to win the grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation with other property assessors across the state. " When I was growing up" Mitchell said," Ford commercials were tagged with 'A Better Idea!'. To me, hybrids can be that 'Better Idea!' and we are excited and proud to lead the way. I am excited and proud to partner with Ford of Murfreesboro to make this possible".

Since Ford of Murfreesboro has been a valuable partner to the Assessor's office in this process they have decided to hold a "Going Green to Save You Green" event at the dealership on Friday October 17th from 11 am to 2 pm. Anyone in the community can test drive or ride in a C-Max Hybrid around the dealership to see the cost effective nature of the vehicle first hand. Since it will be around lunch time the dealership will also be providing hot dogs and hamburgers to anyone who attends the event.