Gas costs pinching sheriff's budget

As consumers look for ways to save money while fuel costs rise, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office is motivated to find savings on a bigger scale.

The patrol division alone uses about 5,000 gallons of gas a month, Patrol Commander Pete Wingert said. That doesn't include detectives, transportation or detention.

Patrol vehicles log a total of about 55,000 miles per month.

The sheriff's office budgeted $135,000 for its patrol division through June 30, 2006. During the first three months of this fiscal year, it has spent about $40,000, Wingert said.

Fuel-price increases after Hurricane Katrina also hit the sheriff's budget. Prices went from $2.09 per gallon to $2.50, Wingert said. Last month, prices averaged $2.63, he said.

The sheriff's office doesn't pay state or federal taxes on its fuel, saving about 37 cents per gallon.

But the volume of gasoline used by the department means that a 50-cent increase on each gallon can devastate its budget.

"It's going to take some creativity," Wingert said.

Undersheriff Mike Meehan said the department could transfer money from other areas of the budget, ask the county commissioners for emergency funding, or use Payment in Lieu of Taxes money or reserves.

First, though, the department wants to see if it can find some savings in its gas use.

During the summer, deputies essentially go from call to call throughout their shifts and every officer and vehicle is put to use, Wingert said. This time of year, though, deputies could pair up on patrol, especially on the night shift, he said.

Another thing that could make the department more efficient involves the public's help.

Some people come into the sheriff's office to file non-emergency complaints or write reports. While that would seem to be helpful, it actually isn't, Wingert said.

There are no deputies assigned to take reports that come in over the counter, he said. That requires an officer to drive in to the office, in the middle of Kalispell, from wherever they are patrolling.

"Don't come here," Wingert said. "Call us."

A deputy on patrol in the nearest part of the county can then go to the residence or business where the person is and save a trip into town.

Deputies also have cell phones in their vehicles, so they can return calls without driving into the office.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com