In a financial and fleet management audit by the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller, auditors said the Town of Amherst did not have an effective fleet management system, including written policies and procedures regarding acquisition of new or replacement vehicles. Auditors also found the town does not consistently maintain repair, maintenance, usage, or fuel costs. In response, the Town’s comptroller said each department is responsible for its own fleet, but the Town would consider making recommended changes as a result of the audit.
Auditors reviewed fleet operations for the Police, Highway, and Engineering departments, each of which have their own maintenance facilities and employees. Auditors suggested the Town develop a comprehensive fleet management system that includes guidelines for vehicle acquisition, replacement, and disposal; establishment of formal preventive maintenance schedules; and cost documentation for all vehicles. They further suggested the Town evaluate whether consolidating maintenance would produce cost savings; improve fuel tracking and ensure reconciliation to improve fuel accountability; and implement some of the fleet management practices used by the Engineering Department, which auditors said had “the most comprehensive system for tracking vehicle maintenance and repair costs.”
