Options for gas tabled (08/04/2008)

Jay County Commissioners discussed options for allowing a regional public transportation service to use county fuel to save some money.

Last Monday a representative from LifeStream, which operates the New InterUrban van service, asked the commissioners if it would be possible to use county fuel for their vehicles. LifeStream was asking for a $24,000 budget increase to cover gas costs, and the idea was presented as a potential solution to lower this cost.

The commissioners further considered it today, but are faced with some limiting problems.

Although the county buys bulk fuel for its highway department vehicles, most of that fuel is diesel. The county only owns a 2,000-gallon tank for unleaded gasoline, and LifeStream estimated a 1,600 gallon usage each month.

Sheriff Ray Newton also indicated last week that, if LifeStream was allowed usage of the county's fuel, he'd be interested in fueling his departments vehicles at the county pumps as well, which would mean the tank would likely need several refills per month.

Commissioner Gary Theurer hinted that highway department superintendent Ken Wellman wasn't keen on having vehicles filling up at the county's station either. But the money isn't substantial either.

"(Wellman) don't get that (much) savings anyhow," Theurer said. The county is only saving about 3 or 4 cents per gallon off the retail price.

"Is it something we need to look into further or forget it?" asked commissioner president Milo Miller Jr.

"If you could save 15 cents a gallon, it could be beneficial," added commissioner Faron Parr.

The idea of purchasing a larger tank was discussed briefly, but the savings would take several years to break even on the installation cost of the tank and was passed over.

The commissioners are planning to talk with Wellman to further explore the feasibility of the plan. The commissioners said they would like the InterUrban service to continue, but as of now has included the same amount in the proposed 2009 budget.

In other business today, the commissioners:

•Received a phone call about purchasing a county-owned property at 335 W. Commerce St., Dunkirk. They decided to plan a commissioners' sale and told a potential buyer the property would be included in that future auction.

•Appointed Jane Ann Spencer to the cemetery commission to replace Ken Bosworth, who resigned from the position last week.

•Re-signed an amended flood plain ordinance. The ordinance, originally passed July 7, was reviewed and returned by the state with suggestion for alteration. Jay/Portland Building Planning director Bill Milligan made the corrections and the commissioners approved the document as amended.

•Approved an increase in zoning permit fees as recommended by the joint board. The fees were raised to cover the extra amount of work required to obtain certain permits.

•Were informed that budgets aren't due to the Department of Local Government Finance until Dec. 1. County auditor Nancy Culy said the county will continue on the planned schedule of budget meetings which start Thursday.

•Were informed by Bryant resident Jim Spade about no trespassing signs leading to the White Oak cemetery northwest of Bryant. Miller placed a call to the area trustee to investigate the situation. The cemetery is public and should contain an easement leading to it.

•Opened three bids for new construction appraisal with county assessor Terry LeMaster. Bids from Manatron Inc., Debra Eads and the Nexus Group were opened and tabled for review by LeMaster and the county's attorney.

•Voted to allow Community and Family Services keep $7,500 originally given for the department to attempt to obtain a grant. After failing to obtain the grant, the commissioners allowed CFS to keep the money to apply to weatherization projects for Jay County.[[In-content Ad]]