SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – Gasoline prices in Magoffin County have been the subject of much discussion in the Salyersville area.
With gas prices nearly 20 cents higher per day than surrounding counties, Councilman Paul Montgomery said he would like to know how the county with the highest unemployment rate in the state also has the highest gas prices.
“People work hard here,” Montgomery said. “And there are people here in the city who work here. They can’t drive out to get gas. It’s just bad.”
On Friday, gas prices in the city ranged from $3.37 to $3.41, while a station less than 15 miles away, on the Floyd County side, offered the same unleaded gasoline for $3.19. Montgomery, who often drives through Pikeville and Prestonsburg for work, said prices there are even cheaper.
“I asked the mayor to send a letter to the owners or representatives of the gas companies here in Salyersville,” Montgomery said. “And he sent a letter inviting them to a city council meeting to address our concerns. No one showed up.”
Although representatives are not required to attend the meeting or respond to the request, Montgomery said he would be happy to speak with the people who make decisions for the community.
“You know, they’re just upset about it. They have to pay a lot of their checks,” Montgomery said. “You know, times are tough. Hey, that’s a gallon of milk for someone who’s struggling.”
He said the goal is to figure out why this discrepancy exists and hoped someone would come to the table soon to explain it.
“I can understand if there are underlying factors. But that we pay 30 cents more than 15 miles away? That’s just wrong,” he said. “I’d like to know the answers. Why? What economic factors are responsible for Magoffin County paying so much more than every other county around us? That’s exactly my question.”
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