Gainesville's public works and public utilities departments are trying to find a new way to fight the budget crunch.

The departments formed an ad hoc committee a few months ago to look at any overlap in use of vehicles.

"It was a prudent time to look at our fleet and see if there were any opportunities we weren't aware of for sharing," Joey Leverette, public utilities collection and distribution manager, told Gainesville City Council members as he presented the report last week. "Sometimes you have to sit down with an issue, chew it and break it apart, really taking a breaking from your daily routine to look at it."

With such varied job descriptions, the departments didn't find much overlap.

"We merged our inventory list and were surprised to find there's not a lot of similarities," Leverette said. "There may be a few large equipment loaders or trailers, but there's not as much duplication at all on a smaller scale."

Instead, the groups are finding new ways to share equipment.

"A few years ago, the city invested in some asphalt paving equipment for public works, and at times when we have a water main break where a section of roadway is damaged more than just a patch, we use that equipment," Leverette said.

It's more cost effective and timely than using a contractor, he noted.

"In the past, we had to send it out, but now we can call our friends and co-workers to help us," he said. "They don't mind, and we share the cost of asphalt."

Public works staff also occasionally borrow equipment that public utilities workers use on a daily basis for sewers and digging.

"It doesn't make sense to buy another piece of equipment when you can borrow or rent, and this includes barricades, sign boards and sewer cleaning trucks, which can also be used for public works' storm drains," Leverette said.

The two departments have also helped other city divisions to complete simple tasks.

"A few weeks ago, the fire department needed a tractor to unload new training equipment, and sometimes Parks and Rec will call us for a bathroom that is stopped up at a park, which is cheaper than calling a plumber," Leverette said. "Those are small examples of where we can utilize equipment for the betterment of the city."

The sharing was evident the week of Jan. 9, when public works crews recruited the city's public utilities, golf course and parks and recreation staffs to help clear ice and snow.

"Public utilities turned out to be vital in getting the streets as clear as we were able to get them," said Public Works Director David Dockery. "Without them and their heavy equipment, it would have been three or four days longer for us, easily."

The recent snowstorm pointed out the subtle changes in departmental relationships.

"In many years past, there were territorial battles that don't exist today," he said. "It's great that you can call on somebody and don't feel like you're begging. In terms of equipment, what we have today is adequate and we really don't mind sharing."