Board approves United Petroleum for fuel dispensers; district flags future tank replacement costs

The Fox C‑6 Board of Education on March 25 approved a bid from United Petroleum to replace district fuel dispensers and associated equipment at district lots.

Gary Cross, director of transportation, told the board that recent testing indicated the district’s buried tanks remain serviceable but the pumps and dispensers need replacement. District staff went out for three bids; one response was incomplete and Cross recommended United Petroleum based on completeness and the company meeting the district’s requirements. The recommended vendor’s proposal included integration with the district’s fleet fuel‑card and enterprise reporting system so drivers can use cards rather than relying on a fuel attendant to unlock tanks.

Cross said the district will do maintenance such as electrical upgrades and schedule a fuel polishing after inspections to reduce water in tanks. He warned that replacing buried tanks is expensive: estimates ranged from about $750,000 per tank pair up to $1.5 million for both sites; Cross summarized the range saying "it could be anywhere from a million to a million and a half" for replacements at both district locations, which include two tanks at the Fox lot and two at the south lot.

Board members asked how the dispensers are installed; Cross said dispensers are largely bolt‑on replacements that reconnect to existing piping and wiring. The board approved the United Petroleum contract on a voice vote.

Cross added that the district will purchase bolt‑on equipment that should be transferable if the tanks are replaced or relocated in the future.