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Gardner City public works warns rising fuel, salt and utility costs strain maintenance and parks budgets
Summary
A department head told council members that fuel, salt and utility costs — and increased LED streetlight charges — mean level funding effectively reduces operating capacity, affecting fleet, snow removal and park maintenance.
A Gardner City department head warned that rising costs for fuel, salt and utilities are squeezing the city's maintenance budget and could reduce service levels unless the council adjusts funding.
The official said roughly 80% of the department’s budget covers parts, fuel, energy and materials, so level funding “is more or less a 4% cut” in purchasing power. The department head called repairs and maintenance — which includes fleet work for police and other city vehicles — the largest line in the budget.
“Due to inflation or whatnot ... if…
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