Fleet Equipment Magazine named Marietta's internal program to maintain its vehicles one of the top 100 in the country for the third year in a row.

Judges visited Marietta to observe the city's fleet operation and named Marietta's maintenance program one of the best in America because of its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and dedicated leadership. Judges used an 18-point criteria, including technology, performance measures, how we measure up to other municipalities and the fleet division's business plan.

"We're proud of our fleet maintenance staff and the work they've done to be recognized among the best for three years," Marietta City Manager Bill Burton said. "The employees in the division take pride in their work, and their efficiency helps keep maintenance costs down for taxpayers."

"The award helps us look at our current processes and ensure we are offering the city efficient and cost-effective service," Marietta's Operations Manager Scott Lawler said. "Since we work for the city, we're not here to make a profit. We want to make it cheaper for city employees to use us for maintenance instead of going to the private sector."

Marietta's fleet maintenance division has 14 employees, including two service technicians, who maintain over 600 vehicles of various types, including police cars, fire equipment, water and power trucks, landscaping equipment and refuse trucks,  Lawler said. "Eight technicians handle heavy equipment, fire apparatus and small engine repair."

The fleet division couldn't meet the performance standards without a dedicated staff, Lawler said. "I've always said you are only as good as the people you work with."

Other winners in the top 100 were Charlotte, Anaheim, Fort Worth, and Pittsburgh.

For more information, call Marietta's Fleet Maintenance Division at 770-794-5660.