Gas Drive-offs Addressed by Sedalia Council

The Sedalia City Council passed an ordinance Monday night which requires pay-at-the-pump or pre-pay at local fuel retailers.

The ordinance goes into effect Feb. 1 and is designed to eliminate gas drive-offs, which are becoming more prevalent in the Sedalia area.

According to background info provided by the City of Sedalia, some local fuel retailers approached the Public Safety Committee and other Council members about requiring pre-payment in Sedalia.

A review by staff found that law enforcement spends a considerable amount of time taking reports of gas drive-offs with very little results in the way of prosecution due to lack of detailed information about the suspect and vehicle.

A community policing officer (Overstreet) met with each fuel retailer to get their input. Most welcomed legislation and some had no opinion on the matter, but said they would comply, with the majority in favor.

UPDATE: As of Wednesday, Dec. 26, Casey's at 3050 S. Limit was requiring pre-pay, well ahead of the Feb. 1 deadline.