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Rising fuel prices put Charleston City fuel line at risk of nearly $746,000 overrun, staff says
Summary
Finance staff warned that sharp fuel-price increases since March have created a potential $745,764 shortfall in the city’s fuel budget if prices and consumption remain at current levels.
City finance staff told council that a sustained jump in fuel prices could push the municipal fuel budget several hundred thousand dollars over plan, and urged departments to conserve fuel while staff continue to monitor costs.
Amy Burton, city finance staff, said the city budgeted $3.30 per gallon for fuel but prices climbed from an average of $2.72 in January and $2.82 in February to about $3.80 in March, $4.15 in April and $4.44 in May; the seven-day rolling average at the time of the briefing was $4.46. Burton said, “If the fuel prices continue to be this high, and fuel consumption is equal to what we budgeted, we're looking at possible $746,000 over budget for fuel.” Later she cited the more exact figure, $745,764.
Staff noted two moderating factors: year-to-date consumption remains only about 1% above 2025 levels, and new, more efficient fleet vehicles are entering service. Burton said the city would encourage conservation measures and evaluate departmental spending for possible reallocations to cover any shortfall rather than immediately seeking new appropriations.
The briefing did not include a formal vote or reallocation decision; staff said they would continue monitoring fuel consumption and price trends through the summer and report back if departments should expect budget adjustments.
