Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ex County Fleet Manager Claims Misuse of Funds

A former Orange County, Calif. fleet manager alleged in court this week that county officials used restricted federal funds and local taxes to lessen the impact of the 1994 bankruptcy.

by Staff
April 20, 2006
2 min to read


A former Orange County, Calif. fleet manager alleged in court this week that county officials used restricted federal funds and local taxes to lessen the impact of the 1994 bankruptcy, the Orange County Register reports. Barry Adams, 52, claims he was placed on administrative leave in February 2002 for raising these issues. Adams filed a lawsuit seeking damages for loss of income and retirement benefits. When the county went bankrupt, voters did not approve a sales tax to pay off the debt, the Register reports. With less money to work with, Adams alleges officials took restricted federal flood-control accounts and a public safety tax by boosting internal administrative costs. He claims that county officials: ? Used federal flood-control funds to purchase a Lincoln Town Car for a county supervisor in 2000 instead of a cheaper car. ? Charged departments full price for gas but paid less because local governments aren't charged certain taxes. ? Charged departments internal administrative costs based on the purchase of 50 computers for fleet services when his department had only 23. ? Charged as much as a 45 percent markup on parts and contracted maintenance services to the sheriff’s department. The Sheriff's Department got bills as high as $1 million, Adams said, that were officially designated as "internal indirect costs." When he got complaints from the Sheriff Department, Adams said he could never get details on how those costs were calculated. The county declined comment to the Register on the allegations.

More Small Fleet

Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
 Drivers in a safety meeting at Wheelz Up
Small Fleetby Amy HercherJuly 14, 2026

Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs

From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SafetyFebruary 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Small Fleetby Lauren FletcherDecember 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleetby StaffNovember 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →
Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safetyby StaffOctober 20, 2025

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
VMS Co-CEO David Prusinski highlights the company’s AI-powered virtual fleet manager designed to improve uptime and reduce operating costs for fleets.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherOctober 6, 2025

AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski

VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of tire tracks and winter scenes.
Small FleetMay 24, 2025

Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!

Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.

Read More →