Equipment Rental & Revolving Fund
Whatcom County Public Works' Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund (ER&R) is responsible for the fleet management of vehicles used by Whatcom County departments.
Repair & Service Maintenance Crews:
Safely and quickly repair and service priority vehicles, providing for continued operation of other Public Works divisions and Whatcom County departments.
Set priorities for safety, crew and public impact, and cost impact.
Plan service projects around the road crew schedule.
Provide service for the Whatcom County Ferry "Whatcom Chief" by coordinating and assisting with dry dock facilitation.
Fuel & Maintenance
The fleet of 500 vehicle fleet can use up to $1,100,000 worth of fuel a year.
The maintenance shop completes 400 brake jobs and services 1,500 vehicles a year.
The Central Stores section of Equipment Services, keeps the maintenance crew up and running.
Vehicle Technology
Annual training required for the maintenance staff to keep up with advances in technology.
The acquisition of high-mileage gas/electric hybrid vehicles reinforces the need for current, up to date training.
Replacement of the Fleet
A key component is the reasonable replacement of the fleet as it ages.
Annual vehicle acquisition totals approximately $2 to 3 million.
The rental rate paid by each department and division to the ER&R fund for each vehicle allows for the replacement of vehicles as they age.
The type of vehicle ranges from the newer gas/electric hybrid cars, lawn mowers, snowplows, and street sweepers to Sheriff's cruisers.
