OPELOUSAS, LA - The Opelousas Board of Aldermen is considering the creation of the position of fleet manager to oversee the city's growing inventory of vehicles, according to the Daily World.

The city has more than 250 vehicles, but they are scattered throughout different departments and are not subject to oversight by one person or department.

The newspaper reported that the proposal was floated by Special Projects Manager Darryl Wagley at this month's council meeting, and Mayor Donald Cravins Sr. said it is an idea the city needs to seriously consider.

"This is very important, especially given our inventory, which has been so dramatically improved," said Cravins, pointing out the city should be taking delivery on a new bulldozer in the next few days.

"We are really not managing our fleet well at this point," Cravins said, as quoted by the Daily World.

In his proposal, Wagley argued the position can save the city about $75,000 to $100,000 a year, enough to pay for itself plus upgraded equipment for the city garage.

"Having one department to oversee maintenance, repair and involved in the process of purchase is appropriate in my opinion," Wagley said.

He also argued, with every department managing its own fleet currently, it is possible the city has more vehicles than it really needs.

In addition to deciding when a new vehicle is needed, Wagley said the proposed manager, by keeping detailed records on the repair history for each vehicle, would also be in a better position to know when it is time to retire a particular unit. The manager would also oversee the city's garage, meaning a regular series of scheduled maintenance for all vehicles could be instituted.

"I would like us to get to the point where we can supply almost full service at our own shop. It would make for a more efficient operation and will improve the life of our equipment," Cravins said, as quoted by the Daily World.