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Franklin County Highway Administrator reports 2024 bridge replacements, resurfacing and staffing levels
Summary
Highway Administrator Jim Gretsch told the Franklin County Commission the county completed bridge replacements, road conversions and resurfacing in 2024 and reported staffing, materials and permit statistics.
Jim Gretsch, Franklin County highway administrator, presented the department’s statutorily required 2024 status report to the commission on Jan. 28, saying county highways and rights-of-way are “in good repair and well maintained.”
The report said the department replaced bridges on Little Indian Creek Road, Bridal (sic) and Huff Road during 2024; Little Indian Creek Road and Lockhart Road bridges were noted as currently being replaced. Gretsch said all four bridges were previously substandard and load-limited and that the projects received an 80/20 cost-share with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
Gretsch reported conversions of 15 roadways for a total of 25 miles to hard surface and resurfacing of 13 roads totaling 25 miles. The department installed 9,000 tons of asphalt and concrete for patching and 15,000 tons of crushed limestone for grading and rock roadways. It conducted ongoing stormwater pipe and culvert replacements and installed two-sided water-depth signs at low-water crossings and flood-prone areas.
On staffing, Gretsch reported a workforce of 55 hourly employees as of Dec. 31, 2024, and said the department was short two positions but expected to be fully staffed by mid-February 2025 as hires and interviews were underway. He told the commission the department processed 1,556 purchase orders, issued 50 access permits and 13 special-use permits during 2024, and responded to 80 after-hours emergency callouts—primarily for downed trees and limbs.
Gretsch also described administrative changes: the highway department instituted countywide annual employee evaluations (supervisor-led with written input from both supervisor and employee) and maintains monthly safety meetings and random drug screens. He closed by saying he will furnish the required report to the Missouri Department of Transportation as the statute requires.
The commission asked clarifying questions about staffing and upcoming seasonal work; Gretsch said purchase orders for paving and mower maintenance are in place. No formal action was taken on the report; it was submitted for the record.
