Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 Commissioners Christine Robinson and Joe Barbetta, however, pulled the topic from the consent agenda to talk it over. Robinson wanted to know why the county was purchasing up to $10.3 million in new vehicles in the upcoming year. Page 62 requiring additional maintenance, West pointed out. "Thirty-four percent [of the county's fleet] is beyond the expected life cycle, which is costing us a lot more in maintenance costs," West told the commissioners. "More and more "I need to really understand why we are vehicles are being what we call 'pushed to expanding our fleet in those areas," Robinson the fence,' which means it would cost more said. "I am uncomfortable with this." to make a repair than the market value of the equipment." Norm West, the county's vehicle replacement coordinator, replied that after several years Gable noted that some new vehicles were without regular vehicle replacement, part of purchased last year. the county's fleet needs to be updated. From "What we're trying to do is get back on track 2006 to 2012, the county increased the length with our vehicles and make sure they are safe, of time it kept vehicles in its fleet, purchasing reliable and energy efficient," Gable said. far fewer new vehicles than in years past. "There has not been an expansion of the fleet "The decision to slow down purchasing and in several years. Last year, in [Fiscal Year] replacement was done by Mr. Ley," West said, 2013, we did have some expansion." referring to former County Administrator In the 2013 budget, $9.7 million was spent Jim Ley. on new vehicles. That included $1.4 million But many of the county's trucks and cars for 70 slated for the Parks and Recreation are getting older, racking up the miles and and Development Services departments, to (From left) General Services Director Ed Gable, Information Technology Director Glenn Zimmerman and Interim County Administrator Tom Harmer listen to discussion in the county Think Tank. File photo