High gasoline prices affecting Scott County's blacktop budget

BENTON, Mo. -- Just like the budgets of most individuals and businesses across the nation, Scott County is feeling the pinch of higher gas prices.

But despite the costs, which have risen almost $1 per gallon in Missouri over the past year, county commissioners are working to stretch their dollars as far as possible and still provide the same services to residents, they said during Thursday's regular meeting.

"Our biggest thing is that we're being very conscious of fuel costs," said Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger. "I just hope we've seen the peak in fuel costs, because this is ridiculous."

The biggest crunch from the soaring prices is being felt in the road and bridge department, commissioners said.

"We're still going to spend $350,000 worth of actual material repairing or patching the worst spots on our county roads," Burger said. "What it amounts to is we'll have less product for our $350,000. The more we have to spend on petroleum products, that's less we can do for the county."

He estimated between 25 and 30 percent less material would be purchased and used this year.

"That's dictated by material and diesel costs. As of July 1, the price of blacktop will rise about $7 per ton," said Burger.

"And the equipment used gets, at best, eight miles per gallon of fuel. We're spending $600 per day in diesel just to haul the material to where we're blacktopping," pointed out Commissioner Ron McCormick.

Norman Brant, supervisor of the highway department, told commissioners that to help save some gas money, he plans to keep a weed sprayer in the back of his truck so he can double up by spraying while checking county road conditions.

"I think that will save some mileage, and anything helps," McCormick said.

Burger said there has not been a big effect on the fuel budget at the Sheriff's Department. "I think the sheriff is very conscious of his budget," he said.

Walter recently negotiated a lower price for gas from Boomland -- four cents less, he reported in last week's meeting. "Although deputies aren't exclusively purchasing gas there now, since it is out of the way at times, they are being encouraged to do so whenever possible," Walter said.

But patrol has to go on, noted Burger, saying there aren't any cutbacks in that department.

"It's their job," agreed McCormick. "They've got to be there."

McCormick said the commissioners are beginning to brainstorm for ideas of how to deal with the costs next year and into the future.

"If nothing changes, we're going to have to look into some other options," he said. "We're just now really starting to consider how this is going to affect our budget next year."