Union County MPO board authorizes interlocal agreement to fund traffic counting supplies

Union County MPO policy board members approved an interlocal agreement to distribute traffic-counting equipment and related supplies to local jurisdictions and to require each jurisdiction to pay 20% of the cost. The measure passed by roll call vote after staff explained the MPO purchases counters and pneumatic tubing on behalf of member jurisdictions and then distributes supplies once each jurisdiction signs the agreement to pay its 20 percent share. The interlocal agreement formalizes an arrangement the MPO uses periodically: MPO staff front 80 percent of equipment costs using federal funds, and local governments pay the remaining 20 percent, because federal rules limit MPO-covered share to 80 percent. Tim (APC/MPO staff) told the board that the order was placed based on a summer survey of local engineers and that the total cost for the equipment package is "around $26,000," a figure he said appears in last month's packet. He said staff received the ordered supplies and will forward them to jurisdictions once signatories execute the agreement. The board voted to authorize the signatories and directed staff to circulate the agreement to each jurisdiction for signature. Steve Snyder moved to approve the interlocal agreement; Cindy Murray seconded. Roll-call aye votes were recorded for Jody Hamilton, David Byers, Steve Snyder, Larry Leverence, Cindy Murray, Mike Gibson and Deb Calder; the motion carried. Board chair Mara (APC/MPO staff) also told members an amendment to the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to document this purchase will be on a future agenda. Why it matters: traffic counts are a core MPO data product used to support planning, funding requests and project prioritization. The agreement clarifies who pays for consumable items (pneumatic tubes and similar supplies) and ensures the MPO's federal-funded share stays within allowable limits. Details and next steps: Tim said staff surveyed local government engineers about inventory and needs, placed an order for counters and tubing, and received the goods. Staff will circulate the interlocal agreement for signatures and then deliver supplies. The UPWP amendment that documents the purchase is expected in a future meeting packet. Speakers quoted and roles are taken from the meeting transcript and are limited to the listed presenters and board members.