July 02, 2008
www.northfulton.com
FULTON COUNTY -- The skyrocketing assent of fuel costs combined with the threat of global warning has many companies and organizations nationwide rethinking their energy expenditures, including Fulton County.
"We're looking to reduce energy costs within the county and reduce the number of vehicles we place on the road everyday," County Manager Zachary Williams told Fulton County Commissioners at the June 18 meeting.
The metro-area is already known for its high volume of traffic and with soaring energy costs, the county is looking for ways to work smarter.
"It was recently brought to [our] attention that many employees were struggling with the cost of gas, especially those who may commute long distances to get to work," Williams said in a statement to Appen Newspapers.
In a direct response to the problem, Fulton government is tentatively looking into flexible scheduling options with the help of a specially appointed, Fuel Savings Committee. Members of the committee are currently being selected from different departments and residential areas of the county to ensure accurate representation.
The idea is not new. Government bodies across the U.S. have adopted flexible schedules and other energy conserving initiatives, including Orange County, Calif.
Proponents of the flexible scheduling idea here are hoping the committee does more than just talk. Commissioner Lynn Riley wants results.
"I want the committee to give regular updates to this commission," she said. "I want to know that we are being environmentally, fuel and energy conscious."
With that charge, the county will conduct focus groups within the next month and provide the committee with information about the effect increasing gas prices are having. It will be the committee's job to determine the county's options.
"The committee will be considering other solutions in addition to flexible work schedules since that may not be an appropriate option for every employee," said Williams.
Commissioner Emma Darnell worries that a flexible schedule could incapacitate the county in some areas.
"I hope the county manager continues to seek ways to reduce cost, as well as implement policies with respect to clear air, but we need to keep in mind that people have paid for our services," she said. "People don't want to call down here and listen to voicemail, people want to see work being done. We need to not only meet environmental goals, but also our fundamental responsibilities to the people who pay the bills."
But to those who might think the level of service could suffer under a flexible work schedule, Williams points to the fact that the county has allowed some measures of flexible work schedules at the discretion of department managers since 1997.
Williams, "is committed to maintaining the level of service to our customers and ensuring that any such policies do not negatively impact our operations," he said.
When the committee completes its analysis the short-term and long-term recommendations will be turned over to the county manager. No timeline has been set, but Williams has placed a high priority on the research and expects the committee to complete its work in August.
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