City council's standing committees on Dec. 3 approved a resolution to increase the city's fleet management contract with First Vehicle Services (Transdev affiliate) by $400,000, to a six-year total of $79,249,343.75.

Councilwoman Danielle Gross (speaking during committee discussion) described widespread operational impacts she said were tied to the fleet arrangement: "...now it's being increased by 400,000 to a new total of $79,249,343.75 over a 6 year period," and she tied vehicle availability to recent service complaints and missed collections.

Firma Morris, senior manager of fleet services, told council: "These are repairs that have already taken place. These units are back in operation or in service. We need to pay our bill." Morris said the $400,000 would reallocate funds (from a fuel line) to cover noncontract repairs incurred since July and that the outstanding accounting included a $687,124 total cost savings that had been applied against non-target costs, leaving a $189,548 balance after the proposed transfer.

Council members pressed staff on the scale of the problem and options for relief. Fleet staff reported a city fleet of 1,274 vehicles and said the $79 million total covers six years of service and lease activity; they estimated roughly six months'worth of noncontract repairs represented by the $400,000 request. Members discussed options including renegotiating the contract and accelerating vehicle replacement to reduce repair costs.

The committee gave its affirmative recommendation on the amendment (bill 25-19). Council asked staff to provide more detailed invoices and documentation from Transdev for past charges and to continue to report vehicle down counts and repair plans.

What's next: Staff will supply accounting details and outstanding invoices; council indicated interest in longer-term fleet strategy including replacement prioritization and contract negotiation.