Jim Marquardt, the Plymouth Street Superintendent approached the Common Council with an update on fuel supplies and costs.
Marquardt said Councilman Don Ecker got a hold of him last week to discuss fuel. They’ve been discussing the situation and decided to bring the information forward to the entire council.
In 2020 Marquardt purchased diesel fuel for $2.51 a gallon, in 2021 he paid $2.23 a gallon, and this year he was able to lock in the price at $2.95 per gallon. He said he purchases 3 loads a year which is 7,500 gallons. Diesel is doing good.
With gasoline, the city purchases 5 loads a year which is 40,000 gallons. In 2020 the city paid $2.01 a gallon, in 2021 they paid 1.97 a gallon but they weren’t able to lock in a price this year because it just kept going up.
On January 28th the city purchased 5,001 gallons of gasoline at $2.76 a gallon. On March 17th they bought 6,000 gallons for $3.31 and each time that topped off the city tanks. Marquardt purchased again May 31st 8,001 gallons of gas at $4.20 a gallon. While that is still under the pump price the city does pay some taxes but not all the fuel taxes a regular citizen pays, and transport loads are cheaper.
So far, year to date he has purchased 19,003 gallons of gasoline for $67,384.
Marquardt said he started with $180,000 in the warehouse budget for fuel. He spoke to the former clerk and the new clerk-treasurer about the need for an additional appropriation due to the increase in fuel costs. The superintendent said the warehouse budget purchases all the oils and gasoline for the vehicles they service.
Marquardt estimated the need for 21,000 more gallons of gasoline yet this year. He said he has enough funds to cover the next load but may need additional funds after that. Marquardt also commented that the warehouse bills each department for the fuels they use.
Councilman Don Ecker said, “I suggest department heads watch your budgets.” He asked them to control spending, keep it to a need versus want and reallocate funds to keep from seeking additional funds.
The Street Superintendents said the warehouse is its own department and budget, so they don’t have funds to transfer to help cover costs.
Councilman Jeff Houin said, “I would add to what Councilman Ecker said, to not just be cognizant of the budgets but encourage department heads to be aware of anything you can do to conserve fuel and be more efficient. It’s just the reality of the situation we are in.”
Mayor Mark asked about usage and Superintendent Marquardt said usage is staying close to what it had been in the past.
