MOUNT VERNON — The amount of money the city spent on gas increased in 2007 compared to the previous year.
The city spent $93,344 for gasoline for police, fire, street and parks department vehicles, compared to $86,287 in 2006. However, the increase paled compared to the jump from 2005 to 2006. In 2005, $65,744 was spent on fuel.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said that when gas prices began to rise, there was discussion with department heads and city officials about the possibility of reducing gas consumption by keeping some vehicles parked. However, that was not viewed as a possibility.
“The street department felt that it is simply impossible because streets must be plowed and potholes must be filled,” he said. “And the police don’t have any choice but to respond to calls.”
Mavis said the city has not taken a huge hit from the spike in gas prices in recent years. Between July 2004 and June 2007, Mount Vernon received about $125,000 from the state as a result of an increase in the state gas tax. Nevertheless, he said, he has had discussion with department heads about buying vehicles that get better gas mileage and consume less fuel. He added that some street department vehicles are over 10 years old.
The mayor said he thinks city officials would be amenable to the idea of purchasing hybrid vehicles, although he isn’t certain whether they would be cost effective to buy at this point in time.
In other city news, Mavis said:
•He will attend ribbon cutting ceremonies at the new Tim Horton’s restaurant on Coshocton Avenue on Jan. 10 and the new Dean’s Jewelry store in the Staple’s plaza on Jan. 16.
•City Council will hold a special meeting Monday to discuss the possibility of purchasing the old armory building on North Main Street. The city has to make a final decision that night whether or not to buy the building. If council decides against the purchase, the county will have the option to purchase the building.
•He has met with City Auditor Terry Scott to discuss what projects can be placed on the 2008 list of capital improvement projects.
•The Knox County Parks Department, partnering with the City of Mount Vernon and the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s Division of Wildlife, is placing old Christmas trees in the lakes at Foundation Park to provide habitat for fish. These types habitat help increase the fish population at the park.
