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Crusher run supply, recent paving and possible rock tax discussed as county prepares fall work
Summary
Highway department staff reported recent paving projects, a rebuilt paver, a growing stockpile of crusher run and discussed a possible change to the county's mineral severance tax that could add tens of thousands of dollars to road funding.
Coffee County highway department staff told the Highway Committee on Thursday that recent paving work has resumed after a brake-valve issue on the paver was bypassed and that the county's crusher at Rogers has restarted, producing a growing stockpile of crusher run.
Benton, Highway Department staff, said Rogers started crushing again this week and the county currently has "about 5 we've probably got 7 or 800 tons up there right now that we can use," adding crews expect to move more gravel and make additional coal mix as leaves fall. He said the paver had a brake-valve problem that was repaired and bypassed, and that a recent tractor delivery and other equipment were helping crews keep paving and mowing work moving.
The committee also discussed funding tied to mineral extraction. Committee members asked whether Tennessee's change allowing a local charge on rock hauled for road work could be applied locally. Benton described it as a mineral severance tax and said it generates roughly "$30,000 a year for us." He said the county commission would need to approve any increase and described a proposal discussed elsewhere to add up to 5 cents per ton initially and allow small annual increases.
Jojo, Highway Department staff, listed resurfacing completed since the last meeting, naming Red Oak Drive, Park Creek Road, Archery Lane, Cambridge Estates and Bon Hollow Road, and said crews plan to pave the steep portion of Lakeview from Frank Hall's driveway up the hill and several small single-lane roads before leaf fall makes paving more difficult.
Benton and Jojo described operational details: a tanker delivery of oil to bind crusher run ("about 10 to 11 gallons a ton of rock"), temporary low stock of crusher run earlier in the season, and a work plan prioritizing narrow dead-end segments and steep hills that are worst for drivers. Committee members emphasized the benefit of additional severance revenue for road budgets if the commission chooses to increase the rate.
The discussion was procedural and informational; no formal funding action or ordinance was taken at the meeting.
