Being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is a top priority for Mayor Tom Henry and his administration. Through engagement, innovation and performance, City of Fort Wayne divisions and departments are using proactive strategies to make a lasting impact.
One example is the purchase of unleaded fuel for municipal vehicles. Earlier this month, City Council approved a contract with locally owned Lassus Bros., Inc. to purchase 756,000 gallons of unleaded fuel at $2.75 per gallon, which is much lower than the price being paid by consumers at the gas pump. The total contract price is $2.079 million.
Not all City vehicles use unleaded gasoline. Most of the unleaded fuel goes to Police, Parks, Neighborhood Code Compliance, and Parking Enforcement. There are some Public Works, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control, and Fire vehicles that fall under unleaded as well.
The result of this contract means we’re saving money for taxpayers, and this helps ensure that the critical services being provided by city government continue as we are committed to meeting the needs of residents, neighborhoods and businesses.
In addition, securing locked in pricing for fuel positions our budget in a favorable manner as we look ahead to 2024. The city budget for 2024 will be presented in the September-October timeframe.
A thank you goes out to the City Controller’s office, City Purchasing Department and City Fleet Department for the collective and collaborative approach in partnering with City Council to present a detailed and forward-thinking fuel contract for approval.
What may seem like a routine contract approved at a City Council meeting is actually a very important part of a high-performing government that’s helping Fort Wayne experience positive momentum like never before.