CAPE CORAL, FL – Cape Coral's Fleet Management Department has successfully completed Fleet Counselor Services, Inc. (FCS) fleet certification-testing program and has qualified as an Industry Competitive Fleet Management Operation. In completing the testing process, Cape Coral finished with a score that placed them on the list of the best-managed fleets nationwide according to the FCS President Jim Wright. Others on the list include, Lee County, Fla.; city of Greeley, Colo.; city of Fresno, Calif.; University of California at Davis; Las Vegas Water District; city of Fort Collins, Colo.; Salt Lake County, Utah; and the city of Tallahassee, Fla. “It is our goal to make government operations cost effective. That is why we developed and offer the Fleet Certification Program – to save the taxpayers money,” said Wright. The program is underwritten by three non-profit educational trade associations in North America. With the support of Director of Director of Public Works Charles Pavlos, Cape Coral’s Fleet Management Department has implemented the following cost-effective programs during the past few years allowing the fleet to pass the testing:

• Preventive Maintenance Program
  

• Fuel Management Program
  

• Vehicle Replacement Program
  

• Fleet Utilization Program

  Cape Coral's fleet operations are managed better than most government fleets, according to Wright. “Fleet Manager Fred DeBono is very progressive and considered a true leader in the in-dustry. By completing the extensive testing required for Fleet Certification, Cape Coral places itself among the most cost effective fleets in North America. Some 100-plus fleets are trying to become industry certified and only a handful have succeeded,” said Wright. The Cape Coral Fleet Management team started the testing process last January and completed implementation of the final requirements in August of 2005, resulting in a score of 170 points and 90 percent. Fleet operations must score at least 137 points or 76 percent to receive the certification, and must pass all eight Foundation Categories with a minimum of eight points required for each. Cape Coral will be required to pass the same testing process every other year, as new performance standards are developed by FCS in order to remain certified, cost-competitive, and efficient.