Hubbard supports CNG-vehicles study

Staff report

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Hubbard city council has passed a resolution supporting a study on using compressed natural gas to fuel vehicles used by cities, townships and school districts.

Stephen Papalas, administrative assistant to Trumbull County Engineer Randy Smith, asked the council at its Oct. 21 meeting to pass it. Other Trumbull communities that already have include Niles, McDonald, Howland and Weathersfield. Warren is considering passing it, and Girard will also be asked to, Papalas said.

The county engineer, the county commissioners and state Rep. Sean O’Brien, D-63, are behind an effort to win a state grant for $100,000 to explore using CNG vehicles.

“There’s quite a bit of cost savings,” Papalas told the council. “It affects the cost of fuel, though not mileage.”

He said that at the equivalent of a gallon of gas, natural gas would cost between $2 and $2.25.

“What about taxes?” said Councilwoman Bonnie Viele. “Will the state want a tax on it? That will cut into your savings once they tax it.”

Papalas told the council other questions that would need answering include where to build fueling stations.

He said that at this point, “all we want is a resolution saying you want [the study] and you would support it.”