Mahoning County's engineer's office is among the operations that could feel the effects of higher fuel prices, according to Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti.
Ginnetti said the office's funding comes from gas and license plate revenue. Because of that setup, he said, higher pump prices tend to coincide with lower fuel consumption, which translates into less gas tax money flowing to the state as well as to counties, townships and cities.
Should costs keep increasing and strain the budget, Ginnetti said, the office would look to make fiscal reductions in other areas. He also said the trend could significantly shape planning for the county's 2027 paving program, and that a substantially higher price environment would force a smaller program.
The comments describe the engineer's outlook, not a finalized budget decision or a specific dollar reduction.