> Rutherford County Went 60% for Trump in 2024. Now they can’t afford Diesel for school busses without big cuts elsewhere.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Rising diesel prices could cost Rutherford County Schools an additional $250,000 to $300,000, according to the school system.

While diesel prices rise, the school system says families should not expect a change in bus service right now.

Rutherford County Schools relies largely on individual bus owners to transport students. Those drivers are paid through an agreement that adjusts their pay when fuel prices rise above a set level.

For diesel, that starting point is $4 a gallon. School officials say diesel is now averaging around $6 a gallon.

“When diesel goes above that amount, drivers receive more money to help cover the cost of getting students to and from school,” the school system said.

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James Evans with Rutherford County Schools says the additional fuel costs are already accounted for in the school system’s budget.

“Our budget department tells us that this may cost us $250,000 to $300,000, just depending on how long the fuel prices stay high like this,” Evans said. “It won’t affect bus service. We’ll continue to offer bus service, but it will affect how much it costs us.”

The school system also has extra money set aside for other energy costs, including electricity as schools continue using air conditioning during the extended heat.

The price problem is not limited to Rutherford County. Some school systems in other states have combined bus routes or cut trips outside the classroom, such as field trips, as fuel costs rise.

Rutherford County Schools says it has no plans to make those changes now, but the final cost will depend on how long diesel prices remain high.

https://fox17.com/news/local/rising-die … osts-climb

wrote:

Sounds like they got exactly what they voted for.

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AI Overview

There is no exact total count available for the total number of undocumented immigrants living in Rutherford County, Tennessee, but specific enforcement and arrest data provide a partial picture of interactions with local authorities

2025 Transfers: The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office transferred 402 undocumented immigrants into ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody during 2025.

2026 Transfers: An additional 51 undocumented immigrants were transferred to ICE custody as of January 2026

State Reports: According to state data covering a three-month reporting period on criminal charges for individuals not legally present in the country, Rutherford County recorded 189 total charges, ranking behind Davidson County (796), Knox County (242), and Sumner County (212).