County approves switching from Fuelman to Go Energies 

 

COLUMBUS—Polk County plans to make some significant savings in fuel costs by switching fuel providers.  

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met last week and approved switching from Fuelman cards to Go Energies. Commissioners also approved a budget ordinance of $30,000 for capital improvements to store gas. The money will come from the county’s capital project fund balance.  

Commissioners heard from Polk County Senior Business Specialist Lindsey McGaha about the switch and potential savings.  

McGaha said during the month of April, Polk County used 10,153 gallons of fuel at a cost of $2.07 per gallon with Fuelman. With Go Energies, the price would be $1.90 per gallon. The cost with Fuelman for a month’s worth of gas was $21,025 compared to $19,291 with Go Energies. The yearly savings is estimated at $20,822 for the county.  

The county will also store gasoline at its bus garage, which will help in emergency situations for the whole county. The cost for the conversion of the diesel tank to gasoline is estimated at $30,000, so McGaha said the county could see the payback on the capital expense in less than two years.  

McGaha said the price per gallon for county owned gas storage is significantly less than the price per gallon at gas stations around and outside the county.  

The average price per gallon of gasoline in North Carolina is $2.589 and $2.458 in South Carolina. Go Energies delivery is currently $1.8295.  

The switch and storage will also mean additional availability of gasoline during times of emergency.  

“If gas deliveries were unable to get to the county, officials could use the county gas storage as a last resort,” McGaha said. “This enables county officials to be able to get to the citizens that need assistance.”  

Cards to purchase gas will also be available for Go Energies.  

Polk County Manager Marche Pittman said the cards are good for keeping track of mileage for employees as well.