Vanderburgh County commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a financial commitment letter for a Community Crossings matching grant application and signed off on several construction change orders and a negotiated settlement tied to county road projects.

The county filed a financial commitment letter for NDOT Community Crossings grant application No. 14904 covering paving work on portions of Volkmann, Schrader, Old State, Old Grammar Road, Lynn, Middle Mount Vernon, Hillsdale and Baseline roads. The estimated cost of the paving work is $2,020,716.20; NDOT is limiting awards to a maximum of $1,000,000 per local government, which would leave a county share of $1,020,716.20 if the full award is granted.

That funding item was approved by voice vote with Commissioners Gable, Canterbury and President Elpers recorded as voting yes.

The commissioners also approved a minute administrative settlement related to the Hormey Lane reconstruction: an increased offer of $3,900 for Parcel 1 (ID 82 0411009073024030), bringing the final purchase amount to $24,000. County staff said the settlement was negotiated by Ryan Schultz.

A change order No. 1 for Boumanhaminy Road reconstruction was approved, increasing the contract by $32,170.50 to cover relocations of sanitary sewer laterals. The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility will reimburse the county per an interlocal agreement.

Change order No. 12 for Oak Hill Road reconstruction was approved with an increase of $10,800 to cover additional survey and GPS work needed to address safety, drainage and utility conflicts that arose during construction. County staff said the bid letting for the next Oak Hill segment (from St. George to Lynch) is currently set for January, with construction likely beginning in spring and continuing through 2027. A later segment between St. George and Eastwood will be 100% locally funded and will be scheduled for bid when the Lynch–St. George segment is winding down.

During discussion commissioners and staff stressed scheduling constraints tied to federal funding timelines and the need to put projects out to bid in the current fiscal year to preserve awarded funds. Several commissioners expressed appreciation for staff coordination with state, federal and utility projects that affect county schedules.

The motions to approve each item were moved and passed in roll-call/voice votes with Commissioners Gable, Canterbury and President Elpers recorded as yes on the record.