More changes are coming at the Logan County Sheriff's Office to compensate for rising fuel prices and declining out-of-county revenue, Lieutenant Andy Smith told local village leaders Wednesday night at a meeting of the Mayor's Association.

This year the Sheriff's Office estimates it will spend $250,000 on fuel, which is more than double the gas expenditures from last year, according to Smith. At the same time, the Sheriff's Office is using less gas. (Video interview included.)

Smith says the Sheriff's Office is looking at ways to cut fuel consumption.

Watch comments from Smith.

One of the changes Smith mentioned involves deputies parking their cars at visible locations in villages and patrolling the towns on foot.

The new policy has already paid off in crime fighting efforts. Deputies on foot patrol in West Mansfield intercepted a theft in progress earlier this summer that might have been missed if the deputies were patrolling the town in a cruiser, Smith said.

The financial woes at the Sheriff's Office have been caused in large part by an out-of-county revenue fallout, Logan County Commissioner Jack Reser said at the meeting.

In the past, other counties have paid the county to house overflow inmates in the Logan County Jail. Right now there are zero inmates from other counties being lodged in the jail.

The county brought in $1 million in out-of-county revenue in 2007. That number dropped to a projected $350,000 in 2008, mostly from the county's agreement to house Hardin County juvenile delinquents at the Logan County Juvenile Detention Center, Reser said.

Quincy Mayor Dan Robinson thanked Lt. Smith for the increased visibility of deputies in the village.

Mayors also inquired about how to handle the illegal use of golf carts on village roads. Russells Point Mayor Greg Iiams said he sees residents driving golf carts, but the village doesn't have an ordinance legalizing the use of the carts on its streets.

Lt. Smith said deputies are instructed to enforce the law by pulling over golf carts that don't display license plates. Drivers of golf carts must also have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

Furthermore, the carts aren't allowed on state or U.S. highways.

Commissioner Reser urged mayors to help support a proposed replacement Health District levy local leaders hope to place on the November ballot.

Reser said the campaign will need volunteers from each community to help get the word out.

Reser also voiced his frustration with the Ohio state government, which he said "balances on the backs of local government."

State government has taken more than $5 million from Logan County township, municipality and county funds over the last six years to balance its budget, he said.

Finally, the Mayor's Association set October 30 as Halloween Trick or Treat night countywide.

The Logan County Mayor's Association meets again September 17.