County to look at ways to cut back fuel consumption
With fuel prices anticipated to top more than $4 per gallon by summer, commissioner Dan Holub asked county public utilities director Jim Herzet if there were some measures that could be taken to reduce fuel consumption.
Holub said the commission and road and bridge department needed to address road grading, mobilization of crews for road projects, and mowing of ditches.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said the county needed to look at the amount of hours of operation, costs, and performance. He asked Herzet what the graders' performance was (miles per gallon of fuel). Herzet responded two miles per gallon and graders typically drove 25 miles per day.
More discussion and options will follow in coming weeks.
In other business:
— The commission approved the purchase of a $1,500 light bar for the new sheriff's department patrol car. Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker said the light bars were five years old and he preferred the bars that were more visible.
He also asked for guidance in obtaining bids for a new K-9 vehicle. Currently an SUV is used which also is helpful during inclement weather. The commission advised Becker to obtain bids for an SUV.
— Cardie Oil Company of Tampa and Cooperative Grain and Supply of Hillsboro each received two bids for area fuel deliveries.
Cardie Oil Company presented a bid of $6,687 for 2,950 gallons of diesel fuel at an average cost of $2.267 per gallon. Cooperative Grain and Supply was awarded the bid of $8,190 for 3,600 gallons of diesel fuel at an average cost of $2.28 per gallon.
— Herzet reported that the cost of oil for sealing roads had increased 18 cents per gallon from last year. The price is $1.47 per gallon. Approximately 300,000 gallons of oil was used last year.
— Holub clarified that county equipment and personnel were utilized to assist with the destruction of Marion Municipal Swimming Pool because statute allows taxing entities to assist other taxing entities.
— The commission reviewed a bridge replacement schedule.
