During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the draft Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) for fiscal years 2026 to 2030, highlighting key projects and addressing community concerns. The ICIP includes projects from the previous fiscal years that were not removed, as well as new capital projects, all ranked by basic need and project score.

Staff recommended proceeding with a public hearing for the ICIP, which will allow for further evaluation of community feedback before finalizing the project list. Each commissioner’s district has its top-ranked project highlighted, with a focus on aligning the final list to include the proposed top five projects from each district.

A significant point of discussion arose regarding County Road 84, which has been downgraded from a major project to a study due to feasibility concerns and budget constraints. Staff explained that the project will be subdivided into manageable pieces for funding purposes. In contrast, County Road 113 has emerged as a new priority project, prompting questions about the rationale behind these changes.

Commissioners also discussed the broadband infrastructure expansion project, which is seen as a match for potential federal funding. The amount allocated for this project is considered small, but it is intended to facilitate further funding opportunities.

Public testimony was provided by community members advocating for various projects, including road improvements and ecological restoration efforts. One resident emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds and the role of beavers in ecological restoration, while another highlighted safety concerns regarding road access for emergency services.

The meeting concluded with a call for further community engagement and the importance of aligning local projects with available funding sources. The board will continue to refine the ICIP list in preparation for the upcoming public hearing on July 9.