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Union urges Atlanta to split Fleet Services from Public Works, citing cost visibility and equipment risks
Summary
Representatives of PACE and other union members told the finance committee that separating Fleet Services from the Department of Public Works would improve cost transparency, allow a dedicated chargeback system, and accelerate needed upgrades to fuel infrastructure and vehicle replacement.
A union presentation to the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 pressed the city to separate Fleet Services from the Department of Public Works, arguing the change would improve financial visibility and operational performance.
The ask and rationale: Gina Pagnotta, president of PACE, said Fleet and sanitation are currently embedded within the same department and that combination obscures the true costs of fleet operations. "Fleet services should have their own commissioner answering directly to the mayor's office and directly to you," Pagnotta said, arguing that separate leadership would enable clearer reporting, a robust chargeback mechanism and targeted hiring of qualified technicians.
Equipment and safety concerns: Pagnotta and other union speakers warned that aging apparatus, limited fuel-site security, and long procurement lead times — they cited fire apparatus waits of more than three years — are creating operational and safety risks. "Some of these fuel sites don't have any protection. Anybody in Willy Nilly can go up and get gas," Pagnotta said, and she urged investment in upgraded fuel infrastructure and telematics.
Financial mechanics: The union recommended a chargeback model in which users of fleet services are billed so fleet budgets can recover costs and the service can "0 and balance out" its budget. Pagnotta said better chargeback systems would "increase visibility in the true cost of assets and services" and incentivize accurate rate-setting.
Workforce and training: Union leaders emphasized the need to recruit and retain certified diesel mechanics and technicians and to create incentive-based training programs with local trade schools and military partners as Atlanta adopts alternative-fuel vehicles. Pagnotta said the city currently struggles to hire certified technicians because it cannot match market pay.
Administration and council response: Council members asked the union to provide historical staffing and budget data and signaled they would review the recommendation during budget deliberations. Council members said they would want implementation and transition plans that protect affected employees from layoffs.
Taper: Pagnotta said she will follow up with council and administration and expects the city to examine fleet governance and funding as part of this budget cycle.
