Fuel costs will drain contingency fund

The cost of fuel these days is causing Columbia County government officials to dig deep into their pockets as well.

At a Monday Management and Financial Services Committee meeting, county commissioners were told that about $100,000 must be taken from the contingency fund to offset added fuel expenses for certain departments.

The committee forwarded the request favorably for a final vote at the commission's next full meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Evans Government Center auditorium.

Last year, the county budgeted for higher gas prices, but "we had no idea how much the increase would be,'' Finance Director Leanne DeLoach said.

She said the contingency money would go to various general fund departments but wouldn't be allocated to constitutional offices.

In other action Monday, the Public Works Committee heard it would cost about $100,000 to have the Georgia Department of Transportation oversee a study on the need for an Interstate 20 interchange at Louisville Road. The agenda item was forwarded favorably.