On Air Now

Landfill fuel savings cushion county budget

Members of the Knox County Board have continually rung the bell of financial woe amidst the state’s financial shortcomings and anemic county revenues.

But last night a rare bright spot shined on the county’s finances as the landfill diesel bill came in at 55% of last year’s bid, saving Knox County a little under $200,000.

Diesel prices have been plummeting nationally.

The Department of Energy reports show fuel prices have dropped 10 weeks running with the Midwest being one of the region’s with the sweetest prices.

Pleased but not shocked describes Highway and Landfill Committee Chair Shawn Pittman’s reaction to the bids. 

“I knew that it was going to be a significant savings, so it wasn’t a surprise,” Pittman says. “Considering the budget issues we had last year, this is really going to help the landfill and the highway budgets for this year.”

Bidding opened last month with two local companies coming forward

The bid that the Highway and Landfill Committee will put before the full board comes from West Central FS for $228,000.

Herr Petroleum was the opposing bidder and while it was $20,000 more than West Central it still would have been roughly 60% of 2015 landfill fuel spending.

The landfill is a continual source of good news for the county’s finances.

After contributions to the general and contingency funds the landfill was still in the black $5,000 for the month, despite the cold months tending to bring in less business.

Recommended Posts

Loading...

Share Contact

contact-chris-mcintyre-qr-code