KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Rising gas prices are driving up costs for local governments, forcing agencies to balance higher expenses while maintaining essential services.
The City of Knoxville operates a fleet of about 1,700 vehicles, ranging from police cruisers and fire trucks to buses, street sweepers and public works equipment. As fuel prices climb, officials say the cost to keep those vehicles on the road has increased significantly.
Nicholas Bradshaw, the city’s director of fleet services, said Knoxville is now spending about $7,500 more per day on fuel compared to earlier this year…