May 8, 2008

Rising fuel costs take a bite out of road projects

Adams County Public Works Director Todd O’Brien delivered grim news to the county commissioners Monday morning.

Seal coat/asphalt bids were opened in-house on May 1, and O’Brien said they were considerably higher than what was budgeted.

The 2008 budget includes $905,000 for cost of materials only. The actual bid cost was $1,035,000.

To make ends meet, O’Brien is looking to postpone seven to 10 miles of roadwork to next year, which means something will be delayed to the next year, he explained.

O’Brien provided cost comparisons for first quarter fuel expenses in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2006, the county spent $70,000 on fuel. One year later, fuel costs topped out at $93,000. As of March 31, 2008, the county has spent $191,000 for fuel.

All department employees have been informed to start coming up with ways of cutting expenses, O’Brien said. He expects to review those suggestions and make decisions at the end of the month.

“I don’t want to address it in October,” O’Brien said. “I do want to say this, though. It sure would be nice to have my levy shift back.”