Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gas hikes cause council concern

Fuel prices are going to create a shortfall in the citys budget, likely to the tune of $20,000. This was the main topic of discussion when the Gurdon City Council met Aug. 21.

Grudon Mayor Clayton Franklin said current gasoline prices of $3 or more a gallon have put his budget projections at least $20,000 short for the city alone.

"We budgeted $30,000 for the citys gasoline usage in this years budget and with current prices it will cost at least $50,000," Franklin said. "This does not even count what the water and sewer department will use or their budget problems. That is a separate issue.

"I am asking this council to consider what we can do about this ..."

Franklin suggested the city find ways to travel less or else somehow discover another $20,000 "real quick."

Those attending had no comment on the gasoline situation.

"I realize we are certainly not going to be the only folks facing this," Franklin said. "But we have to get prepared and figure out some sort of plan to cope with this $20,000 shortage in the budget."

No action was taken at the council meeting concerning the gasoline issue or anything else.

In other business, the council approved the July minutes.

Gurdon Street Department Superintendent Jim Caldwell said the ditching work through the city is nearing completion.

"We have worked our way from the other side of town all the way to the railroad underpass area," he said.