We appreciate all the participation of the 50-plus attendees who attended the Vehicle Coordinator Training presented Tuesday by Motor Fleet Management (MFM). In my opinion, our staff did a commendable job!
Because of budgetary concerns, MFM did not purchase a single vehicle in 2009. We intend to order only a small quantity this year to replace essential vehicles that are no longer functional. It goes without saying that we are putting even more effort and care into maintaining our aging fleet. And we’re depending on newly-appointed Vehicle Coordinators in each state agency to help us.
G.S. 143-341.(8).i 7a requires that all permanently state-assigned vehicles log a minimum of 3,150 miles each quarter by employees conducting official state business. Not all vehicles meet this goal, however, and some routinely exceed it.
On Tuesday, during the first of at least two training sessions, my message to Vehicle Coordinators was clear: It’s a new day at Motor Fleet. Over-use is costly to agencies, and under-use may be proof that a permanently-assigned vehicle is not truly necessary. Various options, including analyzing monthly mileage reports and rotating vehicles assignments to balance mileage use, were discussed.
Our staff stands ready to help Vehicle Coordinators, who are authorized by Agency Heads to redistribute vehicles with over/under use issues, and even turn in ones that fail to meet goals and do not qualify for specific, limited exemptions. While it is not our wish to strip agencies of needed resources, the simple fact is we have a waiting list of agencies requesting permanently-assigned vehicles. If an agency cannot demonstrate its need, vehicles can and will be reassigned.
Everyone at Motor Fleet wishes to thank our Vehicle Coordinators, who are taking on challenging and very important responsibilities, and the Agency Heads who are supporting their diligent work. Together, we will make the most of limited resources during this difficult economic time.