Since Russia invaded Ukraine, crude oil supplies have decreased, which has contributed to a rise in gas prices at the pump during the previous several months as a result of increased demand. As the price of fuel continues to rise, first responders are among those who are feeling the squeeze. Despite the rising cost of gasoline, the number of answers increased just somewhat.
A MIPD has resorted to using the phone to answer non-urgent calls because of the skyrocketing cost of gasoline.
Locals in Isabella County, Michigan, were warned by Sheriff Michael Main in a Facebook post that his department “is experiencing the pain at the pump as well.”
The sheriff wrote Tuesday that “we have expended what money was allowed for fuel with several months to go before the budget reset.”
Deputies have been told to deal with calls that aren’t life-threatening or actively in the process, and he explained what he meant by that in his statement.
Affirming that his officers will respond to “any call that is in progress” involving “active suspects,” he emphasized, “I want to assure the community that public safety is our main aim.”
Mount Pleasant is the county seat of Isabella County, which is located in the heart of Michigan.
With 3.5 months of the fiscal year remaining, the Sheriff’s Office has spent 96 percent of its gasoline budget, according to County Administrator Nicole Frost.
According to Frost, some county commissioners were alarmed by the sheriff’s Facebook post, which was later removed.
According to the local newspaper, “There’s been a lot of conversation on this problem.”
Some commissioners have even asked her, “Do we need to meet to discuss a budget before the next regularly scheduled meeting?”
There was no quick response from the sheriff’s office when asked about the removed post.
Is there an increased risk to people’s health and safety as a result of the rise in the price of oil? Do we still have a responsibility to think for our safety even when we are terrified of the food that is on our plates?
