Lower gas prices give a lift to C.O. economy

Almost every state in the country now has average gas prices at below $2 per gallon, with some states below $1.50. In Bend, prices are as low as $1.69 per gallon, a price many residents worried they would never see again.

“We laugh — we went to Seattle not too long ago and it cost less than $20,” said Adam Apalategui, owner of Greencab Bend, said Wednesday.

Not only are lower gas prices saving Apalategui money on travel, they are also helping his cab business. With the money he’s saving on gas, he is able to increase salaries and attract better drivers.

Local businesses that rely heavily on fuel are saving money, and that cash is redirected back into the community.

Like drivers and businesses, the city of Bend is saving money too.

“In the end, each department will see some savings in regards to the fuel,” said David Abbas, the city director of streets and operations.

The city has a biennial budget and is currently in the latest budget’s first year, so how much the city saves won’t be fully determined for another year and a half. But Abbas said residents shouldn’t expect too much.

“It’s safe to say the savings won’t be $2.5 million” — the yearly amount a proposed gas tax is expected to raise — “because it’s not a deal that we budget for $5 a gallon and we’re at $1.80,” Abbas said.

He said while there will be savings, it won’t be enough to fulfill street funding needs.