BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Fuel costs remain high for county departments, leading legislators to approve a budget modification of nearly a quarter of a million dollars to account for the costs. 

Highway Superintendent Ryan Herron provided an update to legislators, saying the cost has seen a sharp increase during the fiscal year. 

"As everyone knows fuel costs have almost doubled in a one-year timeframe, so this resolution just recognizes that," he said. 

Herron noted that with the increased prices comes increased expenditures for other departments as well. 

Herron said it is "ultimately a net-zero" as revenues were up in the department due to the sale of fuel to other county departments. 

"Ultimately it's net-zero, money out and revenue in," he said. 

Legislators took action to approve appropriations totaling $243,000, with $223,000 covering diesel, $18,600 for gasoline and $1,400 covering propane purchases. 

In other action, legislators approved a budget modification for the County Administrator's Office to cover administrative fees for the Canton Human Services Initiative. 

Officials said the $6,359 modification was necessary to cover unanticipated administration fees for services "necessary for guidance on the existing bond associated with the Canton Human Service Initiative, Inc. (CHSI)." 

County Administrator Ruth Doyle requested that Barclay and Damon, LLP provide the board with a historical overview of CHSI, Inc., leading to Barclay and Damon partner Amanda Fitzgerald attending the March 30, 2026 Finance Committee meeting to review bond documents and provide guidance.