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Lubbock County to switch to WEX fuel cards, officials estimate $120,000–$150,000 in annual savings
Summary
The Commissioners Court approved a contract to move the county’s fuel card program to WEX Inc., citing billing problems with the prior provider and expected rebates; county leadership said recent state tax changes will produce substantial annual savings.
Purchasing staff told the Lubbock County Commissioners Court on March 9 that the county will replace its current fuel-card provider with WEX Inc., a system used by other counties that offers universal acceptance, rebate opportunities and no setup or monthly fees.
“There won’t be any cost…there’s no setup fee, no monthly cost,” the purchasing presenter said as they described the service and the WEX mobile app that lists participating stations.
Judge Parrish noted that House Bill 1109, passed by the legislature last year, eliminated the state sales tax on gasoline and diesel and that the county is looking at “probably a savings to the county of about 120 to $150,000 a year.” The presenter and others clarified that the federal excise tax (18.4¢ per gallon) still applies and that some truck‑stop tier exceptions may affect rebate calculations.
The court approved the contract and authorization for the county judge to sign related documents for a WEX fuel‑card program; a motion was made and seconded and carried on a voice vote. County staff said cards will be free to replace except for loss and that departments will be given guidance on where to fuel to maximize rebates.
Staff emphasized they vetted the provider because of prior billing and communication issues with the previous vendor. Departments that regularly fuel at tier‑1 truck stops were told the county will explain any cost or rebate differences when cards are issued.
The change takes effect once administrative documents are signed and cards are issued; county staff will provide instructions and station lists to departments that use county fuel cards.
