BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Debbie Preston announced details of a new Assigned Vehicle Policy regarding County vehicles. The new policy is comprised of four steps, which altogether will cut the fleet of vehicles by 10 percent, according to a release from the County.

"Some vehicles are being used for more than County business; this has resulted in unnecessary fuel and maintenance costs," Preston said.

The policy plans to:

1. Reduce take-home vehicles by 25 percent, resulting in fuel and maintenance savings of $10,000 annually.

2. Purge 21 vehicles from the fleet to be sold at auction. These vehicles come from several departments, including:  Public Works, Social Services, Engineering, Parks, Probation, Risk, and the Sheriff.

3. Institute a regular driver program, saving the County $47,395 annually, or $237,000 over five years. Ten county managers will no longer have use of a County vehicle. They will instead use their own vehicle and receive a monthly stipend. Preston and Deputies Bijoy Datta and John Bernardo will forgo use of any vehicle or any stipend for additional savings.

4. Cap the growth of the fleet at the reduced levels. Only necessary "work vehicles" will be purchased over the next few years.

A total of 21 cars will be sent to auction, to bring further savings to taxpayers. The total savings of these initiatives are expected to save the County more than $400,000 over five years.

Preston and the legislature will closely monitor the new policy and implement additional savings when possible, according to the release.