Linn County approves 50% participation for Abbotsford Road overlay financed by private funds

After a public hearing Monday, the Linn County Board of Supervisors approved setting the county participation rate at 50% for private-funded improvements to Abbotsford Road and Innes Way in southeast Linn County.

Garrett Redish of the Road Department explained the neighborhood petitioned to create an assessment district to replace the existing seal coat with a two-inch asphalt overlay plus 4-foot earth shoulders and driveway adjustments. "The road department is recommending the board set their participation rate at 50%. So we'll pay for half of it. They pay for half of it," Garrett said, and said the county's rationale included lower maintenance needs and improved snow removal over the next 10 to 15 years.

The estimated total project cost is $195,269. Garrett reported the 50% county share would be $97,634.50. He said property owners chose the private-funds route, which requires upfront payment rather than placing assessments on annual property tax bills. The road department reported no written or oral objections had been received.

Resident Heather Morris, who lives on Abbotsford Road, spoke in support: "We're really excited about this opportunity because currently we have that gravelly oil and we have large chunks just falling off the shoulder. ... It's a really narrow road. We walk our dogs right down the center. ... So excellent opportunity for us," she said.

Supervisors approved the motion to set the participation rate at 50% and to proceed with the project once required funding is provided by the property owners. The board did not approve placing the cost on tax rolls; the district will rely on the private up-front payments described in the petition.

No written objections were presented to the board at the hearing.