Cook County cuts vehicle fleet, centralizes maintenance

Cook County is streamlining its vehicle fleet operations for more efficient purchase, use and maintenance.

Among steps in an updated Vehicle Use Policy is designation of the sheriff's office to maintain and service all county passenger vehicles, primarily from a garage in LaGrange Park. It will also salvage vehicles and track all vehicle-related data, such as odometer readings and vehicle utilization.

The partnership will reduce costs for repairs compared to existing external contracts, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

The county also is taking steps to minimize the types of vehicles bought, to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles, and to encourage county employees to participate in a car sharing program.

In the next fiscal year, the county plans to reduce its fleet by 2.3 percent, or 30 passenger vehicles, a savings of nearly $200,000. The county instituted a fleet management program in 2013, which has cut the county fleet by more than 120 vehicles, saving more than $1 million.