Collins & Ranzenhofer Propose GPS Systems for County Fleet

August 21, 2008

Technology proves significant cost saver for other governments

Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Erie County Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer (R-4th District) are proposing the installation of Global Position System (GPS) technology in 200 county vehicles. Once installed, the GPS devices will be able monitor vehicle location, speed, mileage, idle time, unnecessary use and emissions. Tracking that information will help save Erie County taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in fuel and maintenance costs.

The Collins' administration has submitted an efficiency grant to the Control Board for $136,000 to purchase the equipment and necessary computer software.

"As Erie County continues to face growing and irresponsible mandates from Albany, we must do everything we can at the County level to become more efficient and control spending," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "The use of GPS devices is a proven way to control gasoline and fleet maintenance costs, as well as monitor the potential misuse of county vehicles. I am hopeful the Control Board will acknowledge the unquestionable cost savings of this initiative and approve this efficiency grant."

"Even before gasoline costs were over $4 per gallon, I introduced a Global Position System technology resolution in the County Legislature," said Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer. "This is a proven method in the public and private sector to reduce waste, increase safety, and improve service. With higher costs for fuel and repairs to vehicles, Erie County must implement new technology to cut costs and save taxpayer dollars."

In 2007, the Town of Islip, NY implemented a GPS tracking program on more than 600 municipal vehicles. Between May and June of 2007, the Town consumed 14,000 fewer gallons of fuel than during the same time period in the previous year, representing a 13% drop in consumption. Erie County's Department of Budget & Finance estimates that a GPS tracking system could reduce Erie County fuel costs from $2.6 to $2.2 million a year.

Tracking mileage and unnecessary vehicle use through GPS will also help control vehicle maintenance costs. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management experienced a 20% reduction in the total number of miles traveled by its fleet after implementing a GPS tracking program. AAA estimates that vehicle maintenance costs average 5.6 cents per mile. According to the Department of Budget & Finance, it is estimated Erie County could save nearly $150,000 in vehicle maintenance costs each year if a GPS program was implemented.

In addition to controlling costs, reducing fuel usage and cutting idle time will help Erie County think ‘green.' "It is also important that Erie County do what it can to promote environmentally conscious policies," said Ranzenhofer. "As this initiative demonstrates, eco-friendly programs can also deliver substantial costs savings for taxpayers."

The Collins' administration has also submitted two other proposals to the Control Board in an effort to maximize energy efficiency in county owned buildings.