January 2009, Government Fleet - Feature
Polk County Incentivizes Employees to Reduce Fuel Costs
Polk County, Fla. is implementing a broad strategy to ensure employees who adhere to fuel-efficient guidelines share in the rewards.
By Mike Scott
"When our employees have a choice to idle their county vehicle or drive more than 55 mph, they probably won't be-cause they will be taking money out of their own pockets," Stanton said. "It's a pretty straightforward approach, and it serves as a constant reminder that when we do the right thing, everyone shares in the benefits."
Employee driving strategies are the most significant factor in improving the mpg rate, noted Stanton. "The benefits will be easily measured; not only will fuel costs fall, but tire wear likely will be reduced and other maintenance costs in theory should fall."
Reduced tire and maintenance cost may not be measured effectively, but Stanton isn't worried. He considers those hidden benefits the County will realize over time.
GPS Makes Vehicle Tracking Easier
Polk County manages 2,159 fleet vehicles. Approximately 400 are considered heavy equipment units, such as bulldozers and graders. Another 150 are trailers. The remaining units are highway vehicles, ranging from trucks to EMS vehicles to public works vehicles to sedans. The only county vehicles Stanton's group doesn't manage are refuse pickup haulers and law enforcement vehicles; the latter are managed by the sheriff's department.
Currently one-quarter of the highway fleet vehicles are installed with GPS de-vices that will make tracking vehicle progress even easier as part of the incentive program. Stanton estimates a high percentage of the remaining freeway-capable vehicles will be outfitted with GPS devices in the next few years.
A fleet team member inspects a Polk County fleet vehicle. Maintenance costs are
expected to be reduced as a result of the county’s incentive program.
The GPS systems allow the County to monitor compliance with recommended strategies, such as no idling. The County also monitors underutilized vehicles to assure each asset is used to its potential.
Stanton admits the program is a work-in-progress, but he expects significant results. Depending on how volatile 2009 fuel costs will be, the potential measurable savings could total more than $250,000. In that case, Stanton expects other jurisdictions and fleet managers — both public and private — will contact him to see how the County was able to produce such savings.
With volatile fuel prices, kicking off the incentive program will position the County even better going forward when commercial prices could rise to more than $4 per gallon again.
"If we can raise awareness now and get our employees thinking about how to conserve fuel when prices are low, their will and dedication will only be higher when everyone is talking about high gas prices again," Stanton said.
Herr has directed Stanton to seek and evaluate alternative-fuel opportunities that might include additional propane-powered pickups. If feasible, these applications will be tested for other usage. Smaller, more efficient replacement vehicles are being encouraged where possible.
If the Polk County program is as successful as Stanton anticipates, he estimates most employees who use the same fleet vehicle regularly will achieve a 10-percent improvement in mpg. The program is expected boost morale during a challenging economic period for the entire country, one hitting the pocketbooks of all households.
Stanton also anticipates "friendly competition" among employees and between departments in the incentive program. Success lies directly with employees. They determine how much of a "bonus" they will earn at the end of the year.
"We feel this program has real potential, and I look forward to sharing our successes with other fleet managers," Stanton said. "I have no doubt that we are up to the challenge."