Village Vehicles Will Still Use New Lenox Gas

Earlier this week, New Lenox until they lowered their prices. But that call doesn't extend to village-owned vehicles, which already receive discounted gasoline in town. 

Local gas stations have been consistently charging between 5 and 20 cents more than neighboring communities, and Baldermann said it needs to stop. Many residents said on Patch that they already buy gas in other towns. 

But don't expect to see New Lenox police or public works employees filling up out of town. 

Village Administrator Kurt Carroll said the village has an agreement with locations in New Lenox for municipal vehicles to receive 5 cents off each gallon of unleaded gasoline and 10 cents/gallon off diesel fuel. In addition to that, Carroll said federal, state and local taxes are waived.

"We make sure that, because we're using taxpayer money, we're getting the best price we can," Baldermann said. "As far as residents are concerned, they're not going to be able to work that deal out."

Find local gas prices on Patch's Commuter Guide.

So even if they wanted to go elsewhere for gas, village officials said it wouldn't be the smartest choice. As individuals, of course, village employees can go wherever they want to fill up.

"Living on the east end of town, the Speedway at Wolf Road is probably closer to me than any other station in New Lenox," Baldermann said at Monday's Village Board meeting. 

The mayor understands that the village could take a hit in sales tax revenue, both through a boycott and possible lower prices, but said the residents are the No. 1 priority.

"We'll be OK because we live in our means," he said. "But we have an obligation to the greater good. We will not stand by and let our residents be gouged."