Some local governments are running over budget on their fuel costs as gasoline prices surge and remain volatile.

Many are looking to juggle that expense with other items in their budgets.

While most say it’s too early to know exactly what the impact of high fuel prices will be on local government budgets, the smaller the budget, the bigger the impact.

Freeport Mayor Jim Swartz said increased gas prices for police and public work vehicles will add up.

“We put on a lot of mileage for work vehicles, and I know we didn’t budget for no $5 a gallon.”

Greensburg’s gas expense is 3% higher than last year, said Trisha Hilderhoff, fiscal director and treasurer for the city.

Greensburg is offsetting the high gas costs by limiting idling in vehicles, she said, as well as exploring other options to reduce fuel use across the fleet.

“We would expect to see fuel surcharges added/increased on deliveries in the near future, but at this time it is a little early to see the full impact financially,” Hilderhoff said.

The City of Pittsburgh expects to be over-budget for fuel this year, said Maria Montaño, press secretary for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.

“It’s too early to know the long-term impact of the higher gasoline costs,” she said.

The city has vehicle fleets for police, public works and other departments.

The city is waiting for some hybrid vehicles that have been ordered. But supply chain issues have slowed their arrival, Montaño said.

“The gasoline prices don’t just impact our ability to fuel cars,” she said, “the increase in oil will cause unexpected expenses such as the increase in the cost for asphalt.”

Like other municipalities, Lower Burrell’s fuel budget was calculated last year when prices were lower. The city will have to look for money elsewhere in its operating budget to pay for any extra fuel expenses, Councilman Chris Fabry said.

“We are not willing to cut police patrolling or public works projects,” he said. “We already streamline as much as possible, so there is only so much we can do in this situation. There is no easy answer.”

Lower Burrell is working to consolidate truck runs by having two employees in each truck. Previously, the city couldn’t do that during covid-19 social distancing requirements.

“We are also being extra conscious about material pickups to eliminate any unnecessary trips,” he added.

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