In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for a dedicated civil engineer to oversee the county's infrastructure, particularly its aging bridges and roads. The conversation highlighted the county's historical reliance on temporary timber bridges, with 38 initially installed in 1988, of which only a few have been replaced since. Currently, 30 remain, raising concerns about their safety and longevity.

The proposal includes hiring a part-time engineer with a budget of $70,000, which some officials believe may not be sufficient to cover all necessary expenses, including potential consultant fees. A comparison was made to a neighboring county that successfully manages bridge construction for approximately $50,000 each by employing an engineer on staff, contrasting sharply with the county's current expenditures of around $600,000 for larger culverts.

Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the county's infrastructure, which includes 15 buildings, 193 bridges, and nearly 800 miles of road. The discussion also touched on the potential for state reimbursement, which has increased from $20,000 to $40,000 for counties employing engineers, suggesting that financial support could alleviate some budgetary concerns.

Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of the county's bridges, with reports indicating that a significant percentage are deemed deficient. One official noted that many bridges exceed their expected lifespan, particularly those constructed with outdated materials, which could pose safety risks. The need for an engineer to prioritize these issues was underscored, as officials seek to ensure the county's infrastructure is adequately monitored and maintained.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on funding sources, including potential reallocations from stormwater and highway budgets, to support the hiring of an engineer and address the county's infrastructure challenges effectively.