Council approves deal on cheaper fuel

When city vehicles start filling up at the new fueling station at the Street Department, the fuel will be significantly cheaper than on the open market, thanks to action taken July 25 by the City Council.

Aldermen approved a contract with Frost Oil Co., for a markup of 2 cents per gallon plus freight.

That’s a savings, according to Mayor Peter Christie, of approximately 30 cents per gallon for gasoline and 40 cents a gallon for diesel.

“The price of gas fluctuates, but the price we pay (on top of the fluctuation) is always the same,” Christie said. “This will definitely benefit the city.”

Alderman James Wozniak asked whether the administration considered using a contract shorter than a year.

Christie answered that when city staff asked other cities about doing that, “They discouraged us from going less that one year.”

The city uses 45,000 gallons of gasoline and 50,000 gallons of diesel in a year. The savings projects out at $15,000 annually.

Aldermen also approved an ordinance lowering alderman Larry Wilson’s salary to zero dollars for the remainder of the year and transferring the money to the police department. Wilson requested the action so the money can be used to “meet the needs of law enforcement.” State law allows the change if it’s made by the elected official.

Alderman Frank Anderson asked if this includes the employer’s share of taxes.

City attorney Jason Kelley answered that it is whatever amount would have been paid to Wilson.

“It does not give the city a savings on payroll tax,” Kelley said.

Aldermen also approved spending $340,000 to pay for a new fire truck. They agreed to shuffle money in the budget, and take $105,000 from reserves, to pay for the truck. To complete the contract the change had to happen that night because payment was due the next day.

The truck is designed to fight structure fires, Fire Chief Steve Sims said Friday. He was out of town and did not attend the July 25 meeting. The truck, which will be housed at Station 4, should be delivered soon.

He decided to buy a pumper truck, rather than a ladder truck, because the greater need is for fighting structure fire. A ladder truck costs close to $1 million.

A new ambulance is on schedule to be delivered in late fall. Before the city takes delivery, aldermen will determine whether it will be financed, purchased with cash, or a combination of the two.