SANATOGA PA – As much as it may want to reduce the cost of local government, there are some expenses the Lower Pottsgove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners can’t tame … unless, of course, the municipality finds an oil field within its borders.
Every driver knows the price of gasoline has risen significantly during the past three months. It’s expected to go higher still during June, the Christian Science Monitor reported Tuesday (June 9, 2009). The current nationwide average price this week for a gallon of regular gas is $2.62, according to the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Pump away. You're paying more. So is Lower Pottsgrove Township.
The cost probably will peak during July, when the EIA estimates it will hit $2.70, and then begin to drop.
That’s of little comfort right now to commissioners. “Fuel prices are back up again,” board President Bruce Foltz observed last week (Monday, June 1, 2009), during the first of the commission’s two monthly meetings. “That makes a big difference” in its attempts to lower costs, he said, responding to a local resident’s question on township finances.
Board members are reminded monthly of gasoline prices when they receive what usually is a detailed 8- or 9-page report from Chief Michael Shade on activities of the township Police Department. It contains meticulous records of how much gas was pumped into each of Lower Pottsgrove’s 11 patrol cars, as well as the maintenance performed on each vehicle.
During May (2009), the department consumed 1,286 gallons of gas at a cost of $1,992, or about $1.54 per gallon, according to Shade’s report. Compare that to April, when it used 1,284 gallons at a cost of $1,873, or $1.45 a gallon (9 cents less); or March, when it used 1,385 gallons costing $1,985, or $1.43 a gallon (an additional 2 cents less).
Even with rising prices, notice the township pays a far lower price per gallon than most consumers. It’s because, with the volume it uses monthly, Lower Pottsgrove gets a better deal on gasoline purchases.
Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Commissioners’ June 1 meeting):
- Bateman Trail Cut Into Open Space
- Township Reconsiders Charitable Donations
- PennDOT Set For Meeting On Bridge Work
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