Our view: Putting a squeeze on fuel costs

Dothan Eagle editorial
Published: July 23, 2008

Houston County Commissioner Bobby Snellgrove had the right idea about the effect of rising fuel costs on the county budget.

Rather than simply wince as the cost goes higher and higher, the commission must act. “My suggestion is to set a maximum speed on all countyowned vehicles,” Snellgrove told his colleagues last week.

“I have done this and increased my personal gas mileage by about two miles per gallon.”

Snellgrove suggests county workers be restricted to 45 mph while operating government vehicles. That would not apply to emergency vehicles. The theory is anecdotal, but worth pursuing.

If officials hope to see results, however, they must do more than simply suggest county workers lower their speed. The simplest strategy is the installation of speed governors on county vehicles. While there would be a cost up front, the savings would make the change worthwhile. And there’s no reason the limiting devices shouldn’t be used regardless of the price of fuel. Officials must also take action to reduce the amount of fuel used by county vehicles.

So far, fuel consumption is up 13 percent for 2008, which is perhaps the worst time in modern history to have a spike in fuel use.

Houston County Commissioners must take swift and appropriate action to mitigate the staggering cost of fuel.

In this case, time really is money.