SPRINGFIELD, Vt. -- Recent oil price drops have irked some people preparing for winter home-heating who bought oil over the summer and now wish they had waited.

Springfield town officials were thinking about staying warm in the winter while the summer days remained hot. Springfield bought about 200,000 gallons of heating oil to heat municipal buildings and the schools.

"This is not unlike prior years where we did a pre-buy in that we were trying to get the best value for the taxpayer's dollar," said Jeff Mobus, the town's comptroller.

Officials locked in at a rate of about $4 a gallon, which seemed like a good deal at the time.

"I mean, at that point, we were hearing that it might get to $5 a gallon in January," Mobus said.

In an unexpected twist, oil prices have plummeted in the past month, prompting Springfield officials to rethink the summer purchase.

"Unfortunately, this year, we bought at the top of the market," Mobus said.

"I think it's dangerous because I don't think anyone predicted prices would drop as much as they have," said Chris Myer, a resident.

Town officials pointed out that they locked in a cheaper rate last year than what oil was selling for in the winter, which ultimately saved taxpayers money.

"It's frustrating this year, but on the other hand, we were at $2.23 last year, and it went up over $4. So, we weren't complaining last year," Mobus said.

John Adler, a resident, said playing it safe may have been the right hand to play -- especially with the volatile economy: "There's nothing to say it won't just go back up where it was again."

Town officials said they're trying to determine whether there's any way to renegotiate the contract.