Washington County Board Approves Doubling Line Striping Budget to Enhance Road Safety

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of new trailers for the county's fleet and a significant intergovernmental cooperative purchase for line striping county roads.

The meeting began with a discussion on the county's decision to reduce its fleet from five to four trailers. The new trailers, designed with a constant seven-degree loading angle, aim to improve safety and efficiency for transporting heavy equipment, such as backhoes and rollers. The commissioners unanimously approved the motion to acquire the new trailers, emphasizing their suitability for 95% of the county's hauling needs.

Following this, the board addressed the intergovernmental cooperative purchase for line striping, which involves utilizing an existing contract from Howard County. The proposal includes the application of 1,635,514 linear feet of line striping at a cost of $175,000. This initiative aims to enhance road safety, particularly in light of recent weather conditions that have made road markings less visible.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the adequacy of the proposed line striping, noting that the current plan would only cover a fraction of the county's extensive road network. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining visible road markings for safety, especially for elderly drivers and during adverse weather conditions. Some commissioners advocated for increasing the budget to allow for more comprehensive line striping, suggesting that doubling the funding could significantly improve road safety.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to double the requested funding for line striping, indicating a commitment to enhancing road safety for all county residents. The decision reflects a proactive approach to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring that road maintenance keeps pace with the needs of the community.