Drivers in Highland Heights may soon see lower prices at the gas pump after city council passed a resolution Tuesday night to slash 10-cents per-gallon at gas stations located in the city.
The decision comes after Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order on May 5, placing a 10-cent gas tax break for wholesalers statewide. The emergency order expired on June 11, but has been extended for the 37 Kentucky cities who opted to continue the tax freeze.
Mayor Greg Meyers brought the issue to attention at Tuesday’s meeting, making Highland Heights the fifth city in Northern Kentucky to file for an extension.
However, the extension is set to expire on June 30, causing concern for the short period in which the freeze can take effect.
“That’s the big question mark, because the way it works at the state right now, the executive order is only through June 30th anyway, so I don’t know what that turnaround at the state level will look like,” said City Administrator Michael Giffen.
Despite a small window for the extension to occur and a reduction to the city’s municipal roadway fund, the council ultimately decided the chance of providing temporary relief for drivers in the city is beneficial.
“I think it’s worthwhile. Right now the cost of everything is so high and the gas pump is sort of painful these days,” said councilmember Rene Heinrich.
According to AAA, as of June 17, the average price of regular gas per gallon in Campbell County is $3.85, compared to $3.99 nearly a week ago. The state’s average sits at $3.65 per gallon, with the national average at $4.02.
“The benefit is for the residents. If the request comes through at a state level, they’ll be able to take advantage of that benefit between now and then,” said Giffen.
In addition to the 10-cent reduction, Gov. Beshear signed a separate emergency order to freeze the state-wide gas tax, preventing it from increasing in July.
