LAS VEGAS - Clark County officials are unhappy with the high cost of county repair services, especially in comparison with prices of local mechanics and dealerships, according to KLAS.

However, Clark County Automotive Services Manager Dave Johnson justifies the costs. "We try to give our technicians everything possible to do what they need to do to make sure this fleet stays safe," said Johnson. He and his team maintain some 3,000 county vehicles at a cost of nearly $600 a year per car.

"We try to make sure our rates are as low as possible and I'm also still covering all of my costs. I am a self-funded enterprise. I am required to make sure my division pays for itself," Johnson said.

Carole Villardo, who serves on the state's government efficiency commission and as the president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, says $600 is far too expensive, questioning whether the county shop can compete with prices posted by local mechanics and dealerships.

Johnson said the county rates are "highly competitive." To test Johnson's claim, the I-Team asked three local dealerships and one local repair shop to price the county's version of a preventive maintenance inspection or a PMI. In three out of three cars, the dealership offered a better deal. Plus, the dealers don't charge that $600 a year county overhead fee, reported KLAS.

 

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