Rock Island County has created a centralized Fleet Management Department. It also is breathing new life into the vacant downtown Rock Island building that will house its new Fleet Service Center.
The county board bought the old Ace Muffler Clinic at 429 4th Ave. That business closed in July 2024, after 55 years in service.
The county soon will be using the location to house the new department. It will provide centralized maintenance oversight and routine service for some 175 vehicles. They serve various county offices and departments, the county said in a news release. Routine maintenance there will include oil changes, tire rotation and replacement, alignments and brakes.
Rock Island County’s first fleet manager has been hired and will report to County Administrator Jim Grafton. Additional personnel are expected to be hired, with vehicle service planned to start in January, the release said.
Goal efficiency, longevity
“Centralized fleet management will ensure that county vehicles are routinely maintained, providing for efficiencies and longevity of the fleet,” Mr. Grafton said in the release.
He also told the QCBJ in a Monday, Dec. 30, email, “After seeing that building sit empty for quite some time, we recognized it as an opportunity to put it to good use, creating efficiencies for the taxpayers.”
The new facility is strategically located across from the Rock Island County Office Building and the Rock Island Courthouse.
The county hired Hutchinson Engineering to assist in establishing the new department. Hutchinson has consulted with other local governments, including Scott County and the City of East Moline, to establish their fleet management programs
“As we continuously seek ways to improve, Rock Island County is embracing a recognized best practice for local governments – consolidated fleet management,” Rock Island County Board Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk said.
