May 2, 2006 3:53 pm US/Eastern
Gas Prices Impacting Bucks County Schools
by Lesley Van Arsdall
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA (CBS 3) ―
Rising gas prices are at the root of a big decision in Bucks County schools where they are about to find out their fuel bill for the next school year - and how that will impact taxpayers.
Right now school districts in Bucks County pay about a $1.60 a gallon for diesel fuel because that was the contract agreed upon for the 2005-2006 school year. A great deal compared to what others have to pay now.
Tomorrow that rate will change for the next school year. School districts know the price will go up, but how much of a hit will they take?
"I don't know how it wouldn't, but when a consortium bid is negotiated it will help. But it certainly won't be the kind of contract we had for the current year," said Elliott Alexander of the Pennsbury School District.
Now, the Cooperative made up all the Bucks County School districts and is deciding among bids from three different suppliers and with the high prices, districts are expecting to pay a lot more for fuel.
And, starting in September buses will have to use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel which is even more expensive. Taxpayers now fear the worst.
"They're transporting kids back and fourth and it's costing them more to fill up their tank. They will automatically pass it on to the homeowners. Which means the school tax is going up. Some tax will go up," said Bob Poskus of Fairless Hills.
"I'd rather see them raise the school tax for gas then cut programs from the schools," said Shelly Cook of Levittown.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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