But at the same time, the use of municipal cars by officials is a little- monitored system that is built almost entirely on trust. And although most local officials said they have experienced few problems, at least one official said the system is ripe for abuse.
"We are charged with safeguarding the taxpayer's dollars," said Abington Commissioner Bud Hannings. "But if we started an investigation into the misuse of gasoline or the use of township vehicles, some people would say that we are on a witch hunt or we are nitpicking.
"But it is definitely a system that has flaws."
Most municipalities offer non-elected, top-ranking officials the use of township or borough cars. In most cases, these cars are old and well-traveled.
Users of these municipal vehicles are spared the expenses faced by other car owners. Local governments foot the bill for insurance, registration and maintenance. Gasoline, in most cases, is provided at no cost from municipal pumps.
Policies on use of the cars differ.
Some municipalities allow appointed officials to take their assigned cars home with them. Elected officials, however, may use their cars only in emergencies.
Some of the officials must use their cars only for work. Others must stay within a certain radius of the township. Still others may drive the cars on weekends, while other officials may not.
The one common thread is that, with the exception of the Internal Revenue Service and periodic reporting of mileage to the townships, there is no independent agency to monitor auto use.
A federal tax law that went into effect this year requires employees who drive company cars to and from work to pay federal taxes based on the value of the automobile.
