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Commissioners take a look at gas issue, vote to buy diesel tank

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: October 19, 2008

The McDowell County Commissioners agreed to install a diesel storage tank that hopefully could save the county some money on fuel costs. It would also make sure the fuel is available in case of another nationwide shortage.
At last week's regular meeting, county officials talked about the recent fuel shortage problem. County Manager Chuck Abernathy said he and other staff members have been taking a close look at the diesel fuel situation for several months. The county buys its diesel fuel primarily for the Emergency Medical Services ambulances and the waste collection trucks. It is bought directly from local vendors. If the county had a diesel storage tank, it could buy the fuel off of state contract and save some money. This is how the county handles the purchase of unleaded gasoline.
County officials estimated the cost of a diesel tank and pump to be less than $30,000. That price includes upgrading the existing gasoline tank near the county jail. The installation of a 10,000-gallon diesel tank would provide around a 75-day supply. The tank would be used mostly by the EMS, the Sheriff's Office and the Rescue Squad.
The commissioners approved the purchase of a diesel tank and upgrading the existing gasoline tank.
"The scarcity of fuel is a major concern and this would take care of that, too," said Commissioner Dean Buff.
In other business, the commissioners approved the use of grant money to rehabilitate six homes in McDowell.
The county has been awarded $400,000 by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The money is provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program offers money to help fix up homes that are owned by elderly or disabled individuals who fall within certain income guidelines. McDowell got the $400,000 grant because another county chose not to participate in the program. The money coming here will fix up five homes in Marion and one in Nebo.
After first holding a public hearing, the commissioners approved using the grant money.
In other business, the County Commission:
· Heard an update from the board of directors of the Carson House. James Haney, who is the board's chairman, said the historic house's first floor now has a heat pump. This will allow the site to stay open to the public more often and help preserve some of the fragile artifacts from heat and humidity. The Carson House board also wants to restore an old barn behind the house and put on display all kinds of antique farm equipment and wagons in that structure. The Carson House recently held a celebration of its 11 antebellum quilts.
· Heard an update on the Point Lookout Trail effort. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Thursday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. for the new trail, which will be located along old U.S. 70. The county is putting the event together along with the town of Old Fort, the N.C. Department of Transportation and the McDowell Trails Association. A flagpole will be installed on the mountain overlooking the trail, just as it was 60 or 70 years ago.
· Directed the county Planning Board to review the animal control rules. The Planning Board members will take up the matter at their next meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.
· Approved the Work First plan for the Department of Social Services.
· Recognized Flora McKinney Atwood who recently turned 100 years old.
· Presented a framed certificate of appreciation to Martha "Mott" Buff, who recently earned the 2008 National Outstanding Conservation District Professionalism Award.
· Recognized Maj. John Angley, who is retiring from the EMS. The commissioners presented Angley with his uniform shirt, badge and helmet.
· Appointed Marjorie Caudle to the Jury Commission.
· Agreed to meet with the Marion City Council sometime before Thanksgiving.