Commission considers $175,000 fuel budget increase amid rising prices

Chair presented Item 8 asking the commission to approve a budget amendment to increase the county fuel budget from $539,280 to $714,280, a net increase of $175,000. "So the current budget is $539,280. The amended budget that we requested is $714,280. That's a net increase of a $175,000," the Chair read when introducing the item.

Commissioners and department representatives discussed higher fuel costs over the last year and noted departments such as the sheriff's office and sanitation maintain separate fuel accounts that are currently negative. One commissioner noted the county plans to coordinate a large fuel purchase with the city later in the year to reduce costs; staff will return with purchase details and allocation for department accounts.