The Wichita City Council approved a three percent fuel surcharge for local contractors who provide grounds maintenance on the nearly 3,500 acres of city-owned parks and right-of-way property.
When the city originally negotiated the deal in 2020, the cost of gas was considerably cheaper, around $2.50/gallon. A check of gas prices on the Gas Buddy website Tuesday morning showed prices across most of Wichita were $3.50/gallon or more. Local contractors have expressed concern about absorbing the costs of the high prices and the city says the surcharge will ensure viability of those contractors and cause no interruption in services.
The city agreed to the surcharge when fuel costs exceed $3.40/gallon. The city's original contract for maintenance in 2022 was $3,185,355. The surcharge means the city will pay up to an additional $95,561.