Elkhart County's highway department is set to enhance its engineering capabilities following a significant proposal presented during the recent county council meeting. Kyle Wagner, representing the highway department, introduced a request for the reclassification of a project engineer position to an engineering service manager role. This change aims to alleviate the workload of the county engineer, who currently oversees over 40 capital projects valued at approximately $150 million.

The proposed engineering service manager would supervise five positions, allowing for better management of ongoing projects and improving operational efficiency. Wagner emphasized that this reclassification is part of a career development program designed to ensure that staff are appropriately certified and compensated, aligning with market standards.

The organizational chart for 2026, which was shared with council members, illustrates the new structure if the reclassification is approved. This change is expected to streamline project management and reduce the burden on the county engineer, enabling more effective oversight of critical infrastructure projects.

In addition to the main proposal, the meeting included discussions on other departmental needs, but the reclassification of the project engineer position stood out as a pivotal step towards enhancing the county's engineering services. The council's decision on this request will be crucial for the future efficiency of the highway department and its ability to manage significant capital projects effectively.