West Virginia state employees are being asked to think about saving money on gasoline when they travel on official business. Instead of taking their own vehicles and being reimbursed at the rate of 50.5 cents per mile traveled, they are being asked to consider rental cars or state vehicles.
That could save money for taxpayers — or it could not, depending on what state vehicle is chosen. Picking a small economy car out of the state fleet indeed could shave a few dollars off the cost of a trip on official business.
But selecting a gas-guzzling SUV or a full-sized van could mean that the trip actually costs more.
How often do West Virginians see state employees, frequently one to a vehicle, in full-size sedans or SUVs? Regularly, of course. That has been a complaint of some Mountain State residents for years — long before gasoline prices headed for the stratosphere.
It makes even less sense now for state employees to be using cars and trucks bigger than needed to get the job done.
We don’t know how many vehicles assigned to specific employees or agencies could be downsized — but we suspect that some money could be saved by such action. Less gasoline would be used, for one thing. Initial purchase prices would be less. The cost of insurance and maintenance items such as tires would be reduced.
Some employees and officials need bigger cars. State police, for example, probably require full-sized cruisers. Some Division of Highways workers need big pick-up trucks. Many Division of Natural Resources officers need SUVs. But we have no doubt that some decisions involving state vehicles are made from the standpoint of prestige and perhaps unnecessary luxury.
One of Gov. Joe Manchin’s priorities has been making state government more efficient. In light of higher fuel prices, we suggest that it’s time to take another look at the state motor pool.
