BARTOW, FL - In a move intended to benefit both fleets, Polk County commissioners recently agreed to provide fleet management services to the City of Lake Wales, according to News Chief.

The county will absorb the city's vehicle maintenance operation Oct. 1 and hire three current Lake Wales city fleet maintenance employees subject to normal hiring practices. The city approached the county about outsourcing the fleet maintenance services to as a way to address its budget issues, reported Chief.

Under the arrangement, Lake Wales will retain ownership of its fleet - which includes a wide range of vehicles, including cars, pick up trucks, vans, fire trucks, boats, mowers, golf carts, and heavy equipment - and its maintenance facility.

Bob Stanton, Polk County fleet management director, said the benefit to the county is more operational than monetary, since the county doesn't have a facility in Lake Wales to service county vehicles if needed.

The arrangement will be tested for one year.