HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8323 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8323
e=ZFo May 8, 2001 47 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
ps Subject: Fort Worth Police Department Motorcycle Allowance
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On December 12, 2001, (M&C G-13102), the City Council authorized the
implementation of a motorcycle allowance for police officers assigned to the
Traffic Division Motor Unit. Since that time, all of the officers have ordered the
police package Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The only significant challenges
identified during program implementation are higher than projected insurance
costs and increasing fuel prices.
1. The allowance is intended to be sufficient to cover the costs of the
operation of the motorcycles while the officers are performing their duties.
The $475 allowance was originally intended to cover insurance expenses
of approximately $30 per month based on industry information provided at
the time we developed the original proposal. However, insurance
premiums have increased slightly and vary depending upon the age,
home address and marital status of each officer. The actual cost is
averaging $39.00 per month but differs widely by individual. In order to
level these variables for the officers, the department will directly reimburse
officers for the cost of the required insurance coverage. Any excess cost
caused by driving records or credit histories will not be reimbursed. The
estimated cost of this practice is $13,090.
2. The department has committed to reevaluating fuel and other costs at six-
month intervals to ensure that we are providing the funds necessary to get
the maximum utilization of the motorcycles. We want to ensure that the
officers have the funds necessary to keep the motorcycles on the road
responding to traffic concerns without regard to fuel expense. Since the
price of fuel has risen significantly since the inception of this program and
is expected to worsen this summer, the department will maintain the rate
of $475.00 per month despite the elimination of insurance from the
officers' expenses. This will allow an additional $30 per month for officers
to contend with rising fuel prices since it is an unavoidable expense
affecting the entire Police Department regardless of private or fleet
ownership.
These actions will prevent unnecessary rate adjustments by the City Council in
the near future by addressing both cost concerns. Overall, this program still
represents tremendous cost savings for the department and the City. If you wish
additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Libby Watson, Assistant
City Manager or Ralph Mendoza, Chief of Police.
i
/Ga Jack on
} ity Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER - - FORT WORTH, TEXAS