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Hernando Today

County Seals Gas Price Deal

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Published: November 15, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Residents aren't the only ones pumped up by low gas prices.

The county scored a deal that allows them to get a good deal on gasoline and diesel fuel from a Tampa supplier.

Bottom line: The county will get both gasoline and diesel fuel for an average of about $1.80 and $2 per gallon, respectively, according to County Commissioner Dave Russell.

The contract is effective for one year, beginning Nov. 24.

County Purchasing Director James Gantt received three bids, one of which was from Tampa-based J.H. Williams Oil Co. Williams submitted the lowest and, in the eyes of the purchasing department, the most responsible bid.

County Commissioner-elect John Druzbick said the county is able to get such a low price because it buys in bulk. The county uses an estimated 559,000 gallons of unleaded fuel and 502,000 gallons of diesel annually.

"Any time you can buy in quantity and lock in a price like that, it's going to save you some money," Druzbick said.

However, Druzbick believes there are opportunities to save even more money on fuel through co-purchasing with the school district and the city of Brooksville.

It's a concept he plans to hammer home once he gets on the board.

"It's a changing way of doing business but a logical way of reducing costs," Druzbick said.

Even with the reduced rate out of Tampa, the county will end up spending millions on fuel this year, he said.

The school district has budgeted $3.3 million for fuel for 2008-09. Normally, the school district spends more because the buses require diesel.

If the county were to include the school board and city in one package deal the next time it submits fuel bids, the chance for an even better rate is possible, Druzbick said.

"If I buy a dozen of something, I'm going to get one price," said. "But if I buy 12 dozen of that same product, I am going to get a less expensive price for it. This is the same concept."

This co-purchasing idea "is not something that's going to happen tomorrow" because many of the county's bid purchases for fuel and vehicle parts is done at the beginning of the fiscal year, which begins Nov. 1 for the county, he said.

"But it's something we have to start talking about now," he said.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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