City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

Fleet Locks In Fuel Prices to Save Colorado Springs Money

April 9, 2012 By

It’s gratifying to know how hard City of Colorado Springs departments have worked to save money. For about six years in a row, the folks at Fleet Management have planned ahead and locked in fuel prices under contract. 

 Fleet Manager, Tom Monarco said, “We’ve saved the city about $3M in fuel costs. We buy futures for diesel and unleaded and normally purchase about 85% of our annual needs through these contracts.”

In 2012, Fleet locked in unleaded at $2.83/gal. and diesel at $3.16/gal. As most consumers know, unleaded is close to $4.00/gal. right now as we enter the summer driving season.

Tom explained, “Once we sign the contract we have to take the fuel in monthly increments. If we don’t use it we work with Colorado Springs Utilities to store the diesel fuel. We’ve used less diesel fuel this year because it was such a mild winter. We buy about 2.3 or 2.4 million gallons a year for city vehicles, police, fire, utilities and transit too.”

There are three benefits to lock in fuel costs under contract:

The first is most obvious – fuel cost savings.

The second is the leverage we receive from having a contract in place; it puts the City higher on the list of those who get fuel when quantities are limited.

The biggest benefit is knowing how much the City will spend on fuel for the year. The budget office likes this because they can make allowances for it and there are no surprises mid-way through the year.

Occasionally, even the best laid plans can backfire. One year the City of Colorado Springs lost money because fuel prices dropped. But even then, the budget office still knew how much they’d spend on fuel.

Experience makes a great teacher. Once you sign the contract, you’ll get that amount of fuel whether you use it or not. There is an approved bidding process through the Procurement Office, but vendors also have their protocols.

Tom said, “We went through four different vendors for 2012 planning. They only give us about 15 minutes to make a decision. When we call to ask for prices at 11 a.m., you can choose to pull the trigger right then or wait until the next day. We have to have everything approved and be ready to make the decision. Then we’re locked in!”

When it comes to saving money, Fleet Management has learned from the Boy Scouts motto – it’s best to be prepared!

 

 

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Filed Under: Colorado Springs Utilities, Mayor Bach News Tagged With: , ,