County Government Fleet Acquisition Practices: Service Demand or Budget Limitations

Abstract

Service provision through automobile use prompts the need for periodic replacement. Questions arise concerning service need versus popular trends. Any change has some type of cost impact and budget implications. The finance officer is charged with finding the balance between need and affordability. Very limited information exists concerning budget actor influence on fleet acquisition. This study examines fleet acquisition practices of professionally administered county governments. Findings indicate that the sheriff and departments can acquire specific makes and models, but only in conjunction with finance officer need assessment and the presence of appropriate facilities and financing mechanisms.