PEER reviewed state and local government entities’ use of Fuelman, a commercial, for-profit, automated fuel access system operated by R. R. Morrison of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Fuelman purchasers insert special cards into electronic card readers attached to gasoline pumps. The readers transmit billing information to a central computer system which also provides the purchaser with management information on fuel use by each vehicle and driver in the fleet.
According to a recent Attorney General’s opinion, use of Fuelman by governmental entities without first requesting bids is legal, as no single fuel purchase exceeds $500. PEER recommends that the Legislature require bids for fuel access systems regardless of whether each purchase is for less than $500.
Of those agencies and local governments using Fuelman, not all make effective use of the management information, and none audit bills to insure proper charging.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.