More Photos (9):

Related articles:

'Guzzlers' story fuels debate on hybrids Corrections

Other articles by Erica Meltzer:

Medical provider for jail to be fired County to rethink raises after state budget cuts hit County defies Brewer on ballot scans 3 supervisors far outpace challengers on fundraising Some of Tucson's top jobs are vacant

Other articles by Rob O'dell:

City Council to turn to reviving moribund Rio NuevoCity clerk replacement to be appointed Tuesday Unanimous City Council keeps HeinSome of Tucson's top jobs are vacant City weighs referee to head off disputes

Trades/Construction
Lectra-Serv, Inc
Electricians & Helpers Trades/Construction
Pioneer Landscaping
Yard Person/Loader Operator Trades/Construction
Wentz and Patrick Construction
Carpenters & Helpers Mechanical
Pioneer Landscaping
Diesel Fleet Mechanic Trades/Construction
arizona portland cement
maintenance electrician General
Prestige maintenance USA
Custodian Automotive
Oilstop
Oil Change Techs

As gas prices climbed in recent years, many city officials switched to driving Toyota Prius hybrids. So did Pima County Supervisor Ann Day.

But some top officials continue to drive gas guzzlers.

The worst offender is Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll, who has driven the most miles at taxpayer expense and whose Dodge Ram pickup truck gets the worst gas mileage of any of the elected officials.

Carroll said he tried to select an economical vehicle that would still get him to remote parts of his district.

"I need my truck. I need some clearance. I have a big district (District 4), and I have been going to a lot of Forest Service meetings," said Carroll, referring to the meetings on the proposed Rosemont Mine.

Among the perks of being an elected official in Tucson or Pima County is a government car and free gas from a city or county pump.

City Council members and top city staffers get their choice of either driving a city-owned, 24-hour take-home car or taking a $200-per-pay-period reimbursement for driving their own car for city business.

There is no difference as to how much they drive or what type of car is driven. Everyone who takes reimbursement gets a flat $200 reimbursement.

Those who drive city cars can fill up at one of the city's gas pumps for free or purchase gas with their procurement card, which is similar to a credit card.

County supervisors and top managers get county-owned, take-home vehicles that they fill up at a county pump using a special electronic key card.

The county's Fleet Services Department then bills that office for the gas and wear-and-tear. The rate varies depending on the type of vehicle.

Local governments pay less for gas than consumers. They have a bulk-rate contract and are exempt from the 18-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax.

But even local governments are feeling the pinch from rising gas prices. Last week, the city and the county paid $3.24 for regular and $3.62 for diesel.

Here's a look at what top officials are driving, the gas mileage they're getting and how much they're driving.

The mileage standards are from www.fueleconomy.gov and the actual mileage represents the most recent three-month period for which records were available. That's February to April for the county and November to January for the city.