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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01252005 - C50 :�-- - . ontr TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS .,,' j r� - :,* FROM: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Costa DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2004 Co nty SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION ON PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH AN INTERNAL SERVICES FUND FOR FLEET MANAGEMENT SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ACKNOWLEDGE that the proposal to establish an Internal Services Fund (ISF) for fleet management promises to improve the quality of the County's fleet at little or no additional long-term cost. 2. ACKNOWLEGE that the ISF concept was proposed by the General Services Department in March 2004, just prior to the severe budget reductions of fiscal year 2004/05. 3. RECOGNIZE that sufficient funds are not available in the upcoming budget year and, likely, the following year, to finance the level of new vehicle purchases necessary to start up the Fund and sustain it through long-term maintenance cost savings. 4. REJECT the proposal to establish an Internal Services Fund for fleet management beginning with the 2005/06 fiscal year. 5. RECONSIDER the proposal in 18 months, at which time the County can reasonably begin planning for fiscal recovery, and DIRECT the County Administrator to consider the proposal in any long-range budget planning. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE. RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR jde:JFtCOMME TION OF BOARD COMMITTEE L.,---APPROVE OTHER lie SIGNATURE(S): YI IF MARK DeSAULNIERLE B. tJWX15_MA, CHAIR ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED0/1 V ER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ,V UNANIMOUS(ABSEN ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN AYES: NOES: ATTESTED: January 25 , 2005 ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND SOU NTY ADMINISTRATOR CONTACT: JULIE ENEA(925)335-1077 BYq<,.J DEPUTY CC: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE STAFF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR GENERAL SERVICES DIRECTOR 1 , Internal Services Fund for Fleet Management December 20, 2004 Internal Operations Committee Page 2 BACKGROUND Concept. On March 15, 2004, in the context of a report on underutilized vehicles, the Fleet Services Manager proposed to the Internal Operations Committee the concept of establishing an Internal Services Fund (ISF) for accounting and management of the County fleet. This proposal was introduced prior to the adoption of the FY 2004/05 County Budget, which eliminated over$4 million from the Fleet Services budget. The Committee asked the County Administrator to study this suggestion and report back with any recommendations. The premise of the ISF concept is that it is more efficient in the long run to spend money on the purchase of new vehicles than on repairing and maintaining old vehicles. Newer vehicles tend to have fewer and less expensive maintenance problems and are often covered by manufacturers' warranties for up to three years, resulting in little or no repair costs to the County. In addition, new vehicles tend to be safer and more economical to operate. In concept, the ISF method promises to improve the quality of the fleet with little or no additional cost. The ISF, as proposed by the General Services Department, would account for both vehicle replacement purchases and vehicle operating costs. All General Fund departments would be included in the Fund except possibly Community Services' and Probation's 20 grant- funded vehicles. The ISF would include* licensed equipment with odometers and exclude miscellaneous equipment (mowers, boats, trailers and specialized equipment). All replacement vehicles for General Fund departments would be.purchased with funds from the ISF. The purchase costs covered by the ISF would include any get-ready expenses (decals and equipment). Under the ISF, vehicle operating costs would be charged out to departments based upon monthly rates established for each class of vehicle. These rates would comprise a monthly fixed cost and a variable cost charge based on mileage usage. The fixed cost or "monthly lease fee"would be calculated annually by class and include insurance, overhead costs, depreciation, and an approximately 2% replacement fee. The variable cost would be based on the average labor, parts, and fuel expenses by vehicle class. Analysis. The County Administrator(CAO) convened a series of discussions involving the General Services Department and the Auditor-,Controller's Office to flesh out the ISF concept as outlined by the Fleet Services Manager and to estimate-the fiscal impacts of the change in accounting methods and fleet management policies that would be necessary to secure the benefits of the ISF. As a result of those initial discussions, the CAO concluded that: ■ An ISF, if properly managed, would ensure a source of funds that allows for the long- term strategic planning that may ultimately reduce fleet costs by lowering the average age and maintenance costs of the fleet. Internal Services Fund for Fleet Management December 20, 2004 Internal Operations Committee Page 3 ■ After an additional first year investment, an ISF or a similar change in fleet management policies could result in a higher quality, newer fleet at a comparable or possibly lower cost than the current fleet. ■ Establishment of an ISF could help to create the necessary culture to promote efficiencies in the fleet, i.e., the fleet is a County asset and departments rent/lease vehicles from the fleet. ■ An ISF or similar accounting method would help to "smooth" monthly charges to departments by emphasizing long-term financial planning and minimizing unforeseen costs. ■ Proper management of an ISF would require that a high level of authority be vested in the Fleet Services Manager. After making a preliminary report to the IOC, the CAO convened meetings with the following large fleet customers to discuss the first-year and ongoing impacts and potential benefits of an ISF, and to obtain their input: the Sheriff, Employment and Human Services, and Animal Services Departments. Based upon these meetings, we learned that the primary concerns of these customers (primarily the Sheriff) were the loss of budgetary discretion over fleet costs and potentially new costs for accidents in which a County employee was at fault. The CAO asked the General Services Department accounting team to prepare fiscal analyses showing the ideal ISF scenario (without regard to budgetary constraints) and a practical ISF scenario that relied on current budgetary provisions. Those fiscal analyses are attached. The ideal ISF fleet plan for 2004105 would require astart-up investment of about $1.5 million to fund afirst-year buy of 173 vehicles, and an ongoing annual fund requirement of between $4 and $5 million, with the average cash ISF balance of about$2.5 million. Fund expenses would be replenished through monthly vehicle/equipment lease and mileage charges to departments, which would be calculated anew each year to cover current expenses and future replacement purchases. The practical ISF fleet plan cannot support the large up-front vehicle purchase necessary to generate the long term maintenance savings that are the foundation of a viable ISF. Current budget provisions can support a first year buy of only 70 vehicles, which is no more than the County would purchase absent an ISF. Moreover, the plan relies on monthly departmental lease payments that are not currently in the base operating budgets and may not be feasible next fiscal year. Based on the long range budget forecast, it may take several years before the County can afford the level of vehicle purchases needed to "jumpstart" an ISF. Departments' concerns about the impact of an ISF on their operations are valid. In times of tight budgets, departments and, ultimately, the Board of Supervisors must make Internal Services Fund for Fleet Management December 20, 2004 Internal Operations Committee Page 4 judgments about service priorities. While many departments rely on fleet services to facilitate service delivery, fleet services are but one factor in the budget equation and must be prioritized within the greater context of each department's primary mission. When basic department services have been compromised or eliminated due to budget cutbacks, it is prudent to maintain maximum flexibility and discretion over departmental resources in order to preserve vital department services. 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(�► c u� (� = s a. a c�c cry t� a < o E < cu OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY warren E. Rupf Technical Services Division Sheriff 30 Glacier Drive Martinez, CA 94553-0039 (925) 313-2400 DATE: November 30, 2004 to: Internal Operations Committee, Board of Supervisors FROM: Warren E f, ri By: comman Jim Nichols SUBJECT: Internal Service Fund Proposal Response The following is in response to the Internal Service Fund (ISF) proposal presented by Mr,, Frank Morgan of the Services Department. Although an ISF is an interesting concept and appears to have limited advantages, I do have a number of questions regarding the proposals economic impact to the County as well as my budget. Of specific concern is what appears to be under represented data relating to mileage and lease rates. Mr. Morgan raises numerous points that in all fairness deserve thorough and careful analysis. Although some form of an ISF may have benefit to the County, 1 believe we would be remiss to make such a drastic change without this analysis. I am also concerned that if we do proceed with this proposal and my concerns are realized, that due to depleted depreciation funds, we would be unable to maintain our current fleet. cannot recommend adoption of an ISF to the Sheriff or the Board of Supervisors, given my belief that it would perhaps make "administration" of the fleet easier, but dramatically increase costs. Internal Service Fund Survey Annette BoonePrepared by Depulli. Some California Counties That Have Fleet Management ISF Funds (List Provided By GSD) COUNTY SHERIFF PARTICffATION RATING 1-10 • Solano Yes 5 • Alpine No Fleet N/A • Butte Yes 8 • El Dorado Yes 8 • Alameda Yes 5 • San Joaquin Yes 4 • San Diego Yes 5 • Santa Cruz Yes 4 • Humboldt Yes 8 • Kern No N/A • Kings Yes 9 • Los Angeles Did Not Respond N/A • Mendocino Yes 7 • Ventura Yes Not Rated • San Bernardino No N/A • Madera Yes 4 • Tulare ' Yes 5 • Yuba Did Not Respond N/A • Mariposa Yes 7 • Imperial Did Not Respond N/A • Sonoma Yes 10 • Santa Clara Yes 4 INTERNAL SERVICE FUND SURVEY RESULTS The Internal Service Fund Survey was conducted by phone. An effort was made to contact 57 of the 58 Counties in California. Below is a summary of the Data that was collected. INTERNAL SERVICE FUND REVIEW 57 Counties were contacted. 53 Counties responded by telephone. Of the,53 Counties that responded: 40 Counties had Internal Service Funds. I I Counties did not have an Internal Service Fund. 2 Sheriff's Departments reported not having a fleet. PARTICIPATION Of the 40 Counties that have an Internal Service Fund 28 Sheriff's Departments participate fully in their County's Internal Service Fund. 9 Counties use a combination of an Internal Service Fund and Outside Vendors 3 Sheriff's Departments do not participate in their County's Internal Service Fund. Of the 37 Sheriff's Departments that participate in their County's Internal Service Fund, ** 5 Departments implemented significant changes to their County's Internal Service Fund Policy to make it meet the needs of the Department. 1 RATINGS The Sheriff's Departments were asked eleven questions pertaining to their Counties Internal Service Fund regarding its specific effect on their Department, including rating the Internal Service Fund on a scale of 1-10. 1 being the lowest Score and 10 being the highest. (See Questionnaire and Spread Sheets for specifics). The average rating for Sheriff's Departments with an Internal Service Fund was 5.9. ** Of the five Departments that made significant changes to their County's Internal Service Funds the average ratings were as follows: Prior to the changes being made the five Departments (Nevada, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Mendocino) average rating of their ISF was. 4.2. After significant changes were made, the average rating was 8.6. COMPLAINTS Some of the specific complaints regarding the above-mentioned Departments initial Internal Service Fund Policies were. 1. Sheriff Department Vehicles were not serviced by the County Garage in a timely manner. 2. The Quality of service received was poor and not efficient. 40 3. The Sheriff's Departments were being overcharged in comparison to other County Agencies. 4. Using the County Garage was not cost effective. 5. The Sheriff's Departments did not have the ability to determine when their vehicles were to be replaced and in some cases, they did not have the ability to choose the type of vehicle to be used as a replacement. SOLUTIONS Some solutions that were added to the revised Internal Service Fund Policies are listed below. 2 1. The Sheriff's Department vehicles are given priority in the County Garage. All other County vehicles are worked on after the Sheriff Department vehicles are completed. 2. To solve overcharging the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department now pays a set fee per vehicle, per month for a set period. The fee includes depreciation, licensing, insurance, and replacement. They also pay a mileage fee, which includes fuel and maintenance. After the set period for payment has expired, the Department pays only mileage. There is no additional hourly charge for labor done in the County Garage. 3. Mendocino's Sheriff Department separated their Internal Service Fund from the Counties General Fund. They now have an Internal Service Fund specifically for their Departments use. This was to prevent to Sheriff's Office monies from being used to purchase/maintain other County Agencies vehicles. 4. The Stanislaus Sheriff's Department was instrumental in the removal of the General Services Fleet Manager. A new Manager was hired. The Sheriff's Department sat on the oral board. The Department now has a good working relationship with the General Services Fleet Manager. The Sheriff's Department also employs a Technician that is a Mechanic; he monitors the vehicles for quality control and reports to the Department. 5. All Departments now determine when their vehicles are replaced and the type of vehicle used as a replacement. 6. The Departments note a better overall working relationship with the County Garage. BUDGETS The Survey asked the Departments how the Internal Service Fund affected their budgets. 5 Sheriff's Departments reported that their County's Internal Service Fund had a positive effect on their budgets. 10 Sheriff's Departments reported that their County's Internal Service Fund had a neutral effect on their budgets. 20 Sheriff's Departments reported that their County's Internal Service Fund had a negative effect on their budgets. 3 4 Sheriff's Departments reported that their County's Internal Service Fund has saved them money. 9 Sheriff's Departments report that it is unknown if their County's Internal Service Fund has saved them money. 24 Sheriff's Departments report that they have not saved money by participating in their County's Internal Service Fund. CONCLUSION In Conclusion the most reoccurring complaint that was discussed during the survey was that participating in a County sponsored Internal Service Fund was not cost effective for the majority of Departments involved. Many of the Departments either are exploring the use of or are currently using Outside Vendors in an effort to save money and provide effective and efficient maintenance for their fleets. Some Departments stated that because of their size (often the largest fleet in their County)they are overcharged to make up for the financial shortcomings of other County Agencies. In some cases, the Sheriff's Departments were charged a higher rate and another County Agency was charged a lesser rate for an identical vehicle. It should be noted that 17 Sheriff's Departments said the Internal Service Fund is working for them 12 Stated that the Internal Service Fund is not working for them. 3 stated the Internal Service Fund is satisfactory 2 stated that the Internal Service Fund is functional. Even though 17 Departments said, their ISF is working for their Department. Many Departments expressed the desire to use Outside Vendors or Change their present Internal Service Fund as it pertains to them. However, the fact that an Internal Service Fund is often a political issue for the Counties involved makes it hard to secure change. Keep in mind that the Sheriff's Departments overall ratings for the Internal Service Funds are only an average of 5.9. 4