Fewer wheels at city hall
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Updated: November 05, 2009 10:29 AM
The City of Abbotsford is looking to reduce the number of vehicles driven by its employees, in a bid to save tens of thousands of dollars each year.
There are currently 47 vehicles being driven by city hall workers, of which 10 are classed as pool cars and 37 are assigned to various departments.
In a bid to save cash, the city is now looking at reducing this number by between 12 and 14.
Each vehicle currently costs between $5,000 and $7,000 to operate annually, and had a purchase price of $23,000 to $42,000.
By reducing the fleet, the city estimates it could save $60,000 to $98,000 each year in operating costs, and another $250,000 to $500,000 in future costs to replace the vehicles.
The review into city hall’s vehicle fleet is just one in a series of studies being conducted by the city’s manager of business improvement, Karen Sinclair, the results of which are expected to be reported to council on Nov. 9.
Another of those studies recommends that the city use real estate professionals on an “as needed” basis. Historically, Sinclair said that the city hires two property negotiators who are guaranteed a certain number of hours each week, regardless of demand. She estimates the city could save $100,000 annually by switching to the new system.
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