After hearing that projection, the County Council voted Tuesday to reconstitute a committee and bring back a consultant to help streamline the county's much-maligned car usage.

However, fleet division director Nick Morgan warned the overhaul won't be easy.

"The county, as you know, is a bunch of little empires," he said. "Everyone defends what they have very valiantly."

The charge for the committee will be to establish a realistic mileage per month that still proves cost effective. The challenge will be setting limits that cover wide uses of county vehicles - from a top executive to a building inspector.

Council Chairman Steve Harmsen suggested 600 miles "or else you lose your car."

Councilman Randy Horiuchi noted the only way to realize the savings will be to establish a tougher overall standard.

County officials still are dealing with the fallout after three top officials resigned and two were criminally charged when news of vehicle abuses began to surface in May.

Former Auditor Craig Sorensen admitted he stole gas and is serving 10 days in the Salt Lake County Jail.

Besides the car committee, an ad-hoc citizens panel - appointed by Mayor Nancy Workman after the car scandal made headlines - continues to study fleet practices at the county.

In addition, the auditor's office is analyzing the so-called rapid-replacement strategy in which the Sheriff's Office replaces its fleet of Crown Victorias every year.

Though the county's fleet size is ever-decreasing, Morgan warns the cost per mile increases when a vehicle is used only sporadically.

County officials also are examining six "peer counties" to study their practices, said Jim Wightman, internal audit director.

"We're attempting to get an apples-to-apples comparison," he said. "At least that way you get a benchmark."

djensen@sltrib.com