EAU CLAIRE, WI – According to Eau Claire city mechanic Bob Zawecki, dealing with an outdated fuel management system in Eau Claire is a necessary part of the job. He spends about an hour a day trying to “get them to work.”

The system the city currently uses has been there since 1988 and works much like a credit card system at an average gas pump. The system’s is tedious and has serious maintenance issues.

However, the new plan will use much smaller digital pieces to keep track of who’s using fuel and when, and it’ll keep track of the records faster.

The city is still in the bidding process, with possible contractors surveying the site this week. The upgraded system, which is estimated to cost nearly $135,000, will also help the city comply with new state-wide fuel tank regulations.

Bids for the fuel management system upgrade as already been placed. The decision will go to the city council for approval. If approved, the new system could be in place as early as mid-December.