Commissioners ask staff to draft pool-car policy after concerns over maintenance and budget

La Porte County commissioners directed staff on April 15 to develop a formal policy for county 'pool cars' after a lengthy discussion about who may use the vehicles, maintenance responsibilities, fuel payments and budget implications.

The Chair opened the item saying the county holds four relatively new vehicles but lacks protocols for use and upkeep. "If we're not gonna maintain them and use them, get rid of them," the Chair said, arguing for policy guardrails that identify who may check out a vehicle, driver training requirements and maintenance responsibilities.

The Auditor suggested contacting peer counties to gather sample policies and said maintenance and fuel lines will likely require council budget action. "I can contact the other auditors to find out if any other county does have a pool car, if they have policies, and then I can get a hold of those policies and get them over to you and the attorney," the Auditor said, offering to collect templates for the board and counsel.

Commissioners discussed practical issues — whether the sheriff’s garage can perform maintenance, mileage or hour limits to request a vehicle, and whether departments have fuel line items. No formal motion to adopt a policy was made; instead, staff were directed to compile policy suggestions, cost estimates and proposed budget language and return to the board for review.

Next steps

Staff will collect sample policies from peer counties, work with the county attorney on a draft policy covering driver training, vehicle checkout procedures, maintenance scheduling and fuel reimbursement, and return with estimated budget impacts and a recommended ordinance or administrative rule for commissioners to consider.