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Board hears senior services on rising fuel costs, locked fuel contracts and growing ride demand
Summary
Town staff told the Board that fuel contracts are locked through June 30 but that increased senior rides—especially recurring medical trips such as dialysis—may require additional appropriation. Senior services staff said medical trips are prioritized over social trips.
Board members reviewed correspondence noting a recent increase in gas prices and discussed potential impacts on senior transportation. Finance staff reported the town's fuel contracts are locked through June 30 and heating/diesel contracts include language that would allow locking in a lower price if the market falls; the town will not be exposed to price increases covered by the existing contracts during that period.
Danny from senior services described an increase in ride demand and said the department is revisiting transportation policy with the First Selectman and finance staff. "The priority is for medical visits," Danny said, adding that recurring medical treatments such as dialysis often require multiple weekly trips and that the department is seeing more seniors needing repeated trips. He said the senior center and medical trips are given top priority, followed by social and personal appointments.
Board members noted the potential for a future request for additional appropriation if demand and fuel pass‑throughs continue to increase; no appropriation request was made at the March 17 meeting.
