During their regular meeting Monday, the Marshall County Commissioners decided to send a favorable recommendation to the County Council considering the implementation of a LOHUT (Local Option Highway User Tax) and a Wheel Tax.
The Supervisor of County Highways, Jason Peters presented a preview of the 2015 Road Plan and at the conclusion, the commissioners felt certain there is a truly justified need for additional funds to help take care of the county’s roads.
Peters explained his budget. Annually his budget is $850,000 and this year he will receive an additional $350,000 from the $1.4 million the county is getting for the relinquishment of the old US 31 from the state. This additional money is not a sustainable fund so additional funding is necessary.
Peters also explained costs for road maintenance, noting that he plans to chip and seal 13.5 miles this year at a cost of $164,000 and pave 5 miles of roadway at a cost of $351,000. The county also has an annual cost of $80,000 for dust control along with the cost of materials including patch, millings, limestone and road gravel.
The county purchased the Zipper last year and a Pug Mill this year. These two major purchases have made it possible to do more and save money. The pug mill uses recycled millings and can make hot mix for $22 a ton instead of purchasing it for $54 a ton. Patch material can be made at $38 a ton instead of buying it for $80 a ton.
Peters told the commissioners that the estimated additional of $850,000 from the proposed LOHUT and Wheel Tax would allow his department to chip and seal and additional 25 miles at a cost of $350,000 and 10 miles of paving with millings at a cost of $450,000.
With 961 miles of roads and very little increase in road funding over the past 10 years the commissioners feel they are being forced by the state to use the tools they have been given to find local money to help fund necessary road maintenance.
The County Council will consider the commissioner’s recommendation at their meeting next Monday.
