County officials looking for ways to cut gasoline use

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is brushing back calls to suspend the state's gas tax as a short-term relief to cash-strapped drivers.

But other government bodies are taking measures to try to offset the effects of high fuel costs.

As rising gas prices continue to take a bite out of her budget, County Executive Janet S. Owens is considering shifting some departments to four-day work weeks and placing restrictions on take-home vehicles.

Mr. Ehrlich noted that prices should roll back in the near future, prompting him to hold off on any suspension of the gas tax.

"Given the supply situation in our state, we expect a more...