Despite a natural gas market that went wild last winter, Leitchfield managed to save its gas customers some money.

In a report presented Thursday, Dec. 18, to the Leitchfield Utilities Commission, an Owensboro consulting firm said the city saved $428,000 last year, savings it could pass along to customers.

Although last winter's bills were higher than what consumers have considered normal, the $18,000 bill for a gas purchasing consultant has paid off, the commission reported.

InercomEnergy Consulting, Inc. said in its report the city's new purchasing strategy is designed to eliminate risk by setting a target price, then locking in. The city must lock in on a price by Oct. 31 each year or pay the market price at purchase time -- spot buying.

At its last meeting of 2003, the commission also drew up specs for basement connections to the city's sewer system. The specs do not allow connections below ground level or at any level below the sewer system connection point.

The new rules have to have city council approval before going into effect, and any exceptions have to be cleared by the city's utilities superintendent.

Commissioners also approved hiring an auditor for the new fiscal year. The price tag is to go no higher than $4,500, and Dan Drane of Hardinsburg will do the work.

Commissioners said they would consider joining the city in the first step of an employee wellness program. They tabled the proposal for initial blood tests until the council takes action.

Next meeting is set for Jan. 15.