Diesel prices have been climbing across the region, and the pressure is real for private contractors and local governments alike. In Warren, though, city officials say the budget is holding up. City Manager Mike Holtz said the city buys the majority of its fuel from United Refinery and receives a discount through fleet cards, which softens the blow of higher pump prices.

That fuel does a lot of heavy lifting in Warren. It powers fire trucks, public works equipment, and the heavy machinery that handles everything from road repairs to snow removal. Holtz said overall fuel expenses rise and fall depending on the season, with bad winters, leaf season, and busy stretches for the fire department all driving usage up.

Holtz said the city is in good fiscal shape and can absorb some increases without immediately affecting taxpayers. He also offered a candid caveat: if operating costs keep rising, revenues could eventually get strained and available funds will run out over time. Officials say they’ll continue monitoring prices and usage as Warren heads into its more fuel-intensive months. What’s your read on rising fuel costs in the region? Let us know.