Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
After a matter of gas consumption was brought up by Farmington Mayor Ron Dugan at the Oct. 21 council meeting, the council voted to have meters installed on both city fuel pumps and have employees fill out a usage log.
At the meeting, the mayor noted that a total of 180 gallons were used in 2012, while 333 gallons have been used so far this year.
Later, he looked up more specific records and told the Gazette the numbers were 200 gallons each for 2010 and 2011, 225 gallons for 2012 and 312 gallons so far for 2013.
“You can’t get accurate numbers, because the tanks aren’t filled at the same times every year,” he said. “If you think about it, we’re talking about $400-$600 a year, that’s chicken feed, but some little things kind of irritate me. My gut feeling is we have to tighten our controls a little in this area.”
The town has two fuel tanks at the city shop, a diesel tank predominantly used for the snowplow, and a regular tank mostly used for lawn mowers. The diesel usage has not had a significant increase.
“I really think it’s kind of a minor issue,” Dugan said. “There’s no reason to look for explanations. You tighten controls, that’s all.”
When Dugan brought it up at the meeting, Councilman Dave Baker said that he didn’t think the 333 gallons (later corrected to 312) was excessive, compared to the use at Mountain View Cemetery, which he mows.
Dugan also noted that due to the irregularity of when the tanks are filled, the numbers could be an error caused by not having precise data.
“The only data we have right now is when we get the bill,” Dugan said.
If meters are indeed installed, they will make the town eligible for rebates on fuel taxes, Dugan said. The meters cost about $200.
“Our volumes are so low I’m not sure it’s worth it,” said the mayor. “We’ll revisit this at the next meeting.”
Dugan said that having fuel usage logs is “pretty standard,” but is not surprised that Farmington hadn’t had it before because the usage is so low.
“It’s gotten my curiosity and we’re gonna keep an eye on it,” he said.
Overall, he said that ultimately, since the council voted to get meters for the pumps and have employees fill out a usage log, these two things will happen.
“Essentially, do we want to do all this to save $100 a year?” he asked, noting the extra time required by city employees.
“My job is simply to provide all the information I can,” Dugan said. “The council (members) are the policy makers.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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