Mr. Hartmut, appearing before the Iroquois County Finance Committee, reviewed proposed revenues and expenses for the County Highway Department during the June 23 meeting. He said key revenue lines remain steady but that the department increased several budget items to prepare for ongoing maintenance and equipment needs.

Hartmut said the department left the county highway fee at $7.20 and projected similar insurance reimbursements to prior years. Notable changes in the proposal include an increase to equipment rental (used to move Motor Fuel Tax funds into county highway operations) to $100,000 and an increase to township engineering budget lines (including bridge engineering) to better match recent outlays. Hartmut explained forecasted township engineering costs reflect recent spending patterns and timing of invoices.

On the expense side, Hartmut said union wage increases of 3% are already accounted for in labor/salary lines and described equipment replacement plans. Purchased-equipment was shown at $350,000 with miscellaneous equipment and top repairs budgeted at higher levels. He told the committee the department plans to raise the per-mile contracted snowplow rate from $330 to $350 for distant townships to better align with neighboring counties' rates and encourage continued contractor participation.

Committee members questioned the basis for certain forecast increases and timing of township billings; Hartmut explained the department uses a six-month trend for forecasting and reminded the committee that some township work is billed on a seasonal cycle. The committee discussed use of MFT (motor fuel tax) funds, reimbursement mechanics and the need to preserve options for fleet replacement and major repairs.

No vote was taken; the department's budget will be incorporated into the county budget process for further review.