North Bend seeks reimbursement for U.S. 50 pipe repair amid dispute over maintenance responsibility

Village officials told the council they spent $16,000 to repair a culvert under U.S. 50 at Shelly Lane after a separated storm pipe caused a sinkhole and deterioration of the roadway surface. Staff said crews installed a sleeve as a temporary fix and that the full replacement would be costlier.

Officials said the village is pursuing reimbursement because the village disputes which level of government is responsible for the U.S. 50 segment. The mayor and staff said they have been in communication with State Representative Mike Odioso over the issue; Rep. Odioso was reported to be working on legislation intended to clarify or change responsibility for maintenance of certain highways, but council members said the bill must still pass the Ohio Senate. The law cited by staff indicates ODOT’s statutory responsibilities do not always include some roadway segments; council members described inconsistent historical practice by state and county agencies in maintaining this corridor.

The council recorded the purchase order to Complete Contractors for $16,000 tied to the emergency repair. Staff said the village pays first and submits invoices for grant or state reimbursement where applicable. Council directed finance staff and administration to pursue reimbursement and to continue discussions with the village’s state legislators and ODOT contacts.

Council staff noted the repair was done to address an active public-safety hazard and that the installed sleeve should be considered temporary until a permanent pipe replacement is feasible and funded.