LARGO, FL – The city of Largo having decided to eliminate the post of citywide fleet manager, has reconsidered and is now interviewing candidates for the job included in this year’s city budget, the Largo Leader reports. The city owns nearly 500 vehicles, from all-terrain vehicles to fire engines and garbage trucks, maintained by a staff of mechanics and technicians in the Public Works Department. Because the vehicles are assigned to specific departments that direct maintenance schedules unique to each vehicle, several years ago the city abandoned the fleet manager position, leaving the maintenance staff reporting directly to the Public Works Department. But, during the past year, city commissioners have questioned whether the city is properly managing those vehicles, their maintenance, and replacement schedules, according to the Largo Leader. Some vehicles last longer than others and some require more maintenance; rescue vehicles spend five years in active service followed by five in reserve status. Police cars, however, with long idling times and hard use, don’t last as long. Meanwhile, the city commission has authorized hiring of an outside auditor, one with fleet management experience, to review the city’s fleet management and to recommend efficiency and cost-saving practices.