CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Municipal buildings here have almost reached the city's goal of a 15 percent energy reduction about eight months ahead of schedule.

"I've got eight months to come up with another 3 percent," City Purchasing Director Melinda Carroll told City Council members last week.

Last year the council set a goal of reducing energy consumption in city buildings and vehicles. The deadline is June 30, 2010.

Department heads each have had their own goals to reach, with regular reports to the council on progress.

"This has been done by getting the staff and the department heads involved and without the need to hire an expensive special person," said Councilman Richard Banks, who proposed the reduction idea to the council.

Cleveland Fire Chief Chuck Atchley said all five city fire stations are examples of energy savings.

"Our guys are very aware of conservation," he said. "You can go into our buildings and find lights off whenever no one is there."

"Anybody who can turn out a light can do this," Ms. Carroll said.

The Tennessee General Assembly last year passed a resolution, sponsored in part by state Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, applauding the effort as an example of what municipalities can do to conserve.