Clavin Eliminates Hempstead Town's 'Take-Home' Cars

Leading up to his election as Hempstead Town Supervisor, Don Clavin made a promise to eliminate many “take home” town vehicles in an effort to generate significant savings the long term. Today, Clavin announced that he succeeded in that promise and, in doing so, will save the town thousands of dollars.

The keys to more than 40 cars and trucks have been turned in as the first phase of his administration’s new policy, which will drastically curtail the use of take-home vehicles by Hempstead’s municipal managers. The staffers who were assigned these vehicles had previously been authorized to drive them from their home to work and vice versa, in addition to utilizing them during the workday.

“I’m pleased to terminate the use of dozens of vehicles for commuting purposes by government employees,” Clavin said. “While I recognize the need for using certain government vehicles during work hours, my priorities include reducing the cost of government services for taxpayers in our township. Accordingly, I am drastically curtailing the use of take-home vehicles, which will offer real taxpayer savings.”

Clavin said that he has consolidated the 40 "take-home" cars to 19 "pool" vehicles, which will be used only by authorized employees during work hours or emergencies. The remaining 21 cars will be sold or repurposed, which will save the town about $462,000, Clavin said.

Clavin said the reduction in the cars is projected to save the town $616,000 over five years. Those savings come from a reduction of fuel costs, wear-and-tear on vehicles, reduced maintenance and repair costs, reduction of liability risks and more.

“By removing many of the town’s ‘take-home’ vehicles from the road, we’re also eliminating a major burden on our taxpayers,” Clavin said.

A comprehensive review of all vehicles within the town’s fleet will be ongoing, Clavin said, including an assessment of usage and necessity.

“The message is plain and simple,” said Clavin. “Government must operate more efficiently and cost effectively, and I am committed to efforts such as this, which will offer genuine taxpayer savings to residents of America’s largest township.”