Commissioners debate need for a county engineer position, direct attorney to research codes and grant options

Pulaski County commissioners discussed whether to create a county engineer position after a joint session raised the idea; commissioners asked staff and the county attorney to research legal requirements, grant options and long-term fiscal implications.

Commissioner Mike McClure opened the topic, asking whether there are projects that require another engineer and whether the county should create a position. He said he had not heard a strong request for a permanent position and did not want to create a role that may not be necessary.

One commissioner said a fully funded grant would reduce objections but warned that “grants run out and then the county is responsible to pick up the tab,” and asked for caution given the county’s financial condition. Another commissioner said the county could consider grants that fund an engineer or contract engineers paid per project.

Commissioners asked Jacob, the county attorney, to look into relevant codes and whether grant funding could support a temporary or permanent engineer role. Jacob agreed to review statutory and code requirements and report back.

No formal motion to create or fund a county engineer position was made. The discussion concluded with direction for staff to research legal authority, grant funding prospects and whether the county’s current use of contracted engineers (identified in the meeting as United/consultant engineers) meets current needs.

Why it matters: Creating a permanent staff engineer could commit the county to ongoing salary and benefit costs; commissioners sought to determine whether grant-funded or contract solutions would suffice for current and near-term projects.