Sheldon, Iowa — Earlier this week, the average price of gasoline across the country reached the highest level in history, causing a pain at the pump for consumer pocketbooks.
Many people will simply drive less in an effort to keep their costs down, but there are some for whom that isn’t an option. City governments, for example, budget for fuel at the beginning of the fiscal year, and their ability to decrease fuel consumption is somewhat limited. Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks still need to respond to emergencies.
KIWA talked to Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker about the affect higher fuel prices will have on the City of Sheldon. Kooiker says that, first of all, it’s important to put the fuel price increases into context.
That being said, Kooiker says rising fuel prices are a concern.
He says there are two ways local governments can deal with inflation.
Kooiker says if, as experts predict, gas prices continue to increase throughout the summer, the high fuel prices will affect other areas besides just gas costs.
At last report, gasoline prices in Sheldon ranged from $3.58 to $3.69 per gallon.
