The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has taken action to prepare for the winter plowing season by locking in a fuel rate for road department vehicles. At a Thursday meeting, the board approved a contract with Ceres to lock in prices for unleaded gasoline and diesel for road department vehicles for the next six months. Commissioner Jim Curran explained the rate the county will get from Ceres.
“Guaranteed the price of $3.99 per gallon for unleaded, and $4.11 per gallon for the Benton Harbor, Baroda, Three Oaks, and Bakertown garages for diesel fuel,” Curran said. “And $4.21 per gallon [for diesel] for Watervliet and Eau Claire.”
One garage is more expensive than the other because the tank there is smaller, and that affects the cost of shipping fuel. Commissioners were told Thursday the road department has found itself in a bind due to a shortage of fuel delivery drivers, leaving at least one of the garages with no fuel for days. This contract will ensure the regular delivery of gas and also lock in a price for the plowing season.
