FREDERICK, MD – Rising gas prices have prompted Frederick County (Md.) budget officials to request $440,000 more for the Fleet Services Division in fiscal year 2006, reported The Gazette newspaper. Currently, $880,000 is budgeted to run the fleet of trucks, buses, and cars through June 30, 2005. County Manager Douglas Browning has asked departments using county-owned vehicles to limit their driving as much as possible. But he told The Gazette that he realizes the driving being done is necessary for the job. To help reduce gas consumption, the sheriff´s office has suggested that deputies park along roadways to observe traffic and act as a deterrent. Still, units need to be patrolling throughout the county regardless of how much gas costs. The sheriff´s office operates 200 vehicles and used 18,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline in October.