Humboldt supervisors accept county highway engineer’s FY2025 report

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to accept and place on file the official fiscal year 2025 report from the county highway engineer.

The highway representative summarized the annual report, which the board is required to receive and file. The packet lists expenditures, revenue sources, new equipment and construction projects for the prior fiscal year.

On FEMA reimbursement the county representative said the entry of roughly $43,000 reflects about half of a FEMA payment tied to last year’s flood repairs. "The 43,000 is roughly half of the payment for FEMA for the repairs that were done last year," the county representative said, describing FEMA payments as reimbursements for eligible expenses. He added that FEMA reimbursement is contingent on a presidential disaster declaration and completion of required documentation and that the usual federal/state process can leave payments pending more than a year.

Staff discussed personnel and equipment line items: the report lists salaries as inclusive of benefits, and equipment needs next year are expected to include about $500,000 for purchases (including tractors and a previously ordered dump truck whose delivery has been delayed). The highway representative said the county intends to consider contract terms with suppliers that include delivery penalties for late equipment deliveries.

The board approved a motion to accept and place on file the highway engineer’s report by voice vote. There was no separate vote tally recorded in the minutes.

The county engineer said staffing, material and rock prices remain elevated and that the county expects paving work to be reduced next fiscal year, which will lower construction spending compared with the recent year. The board did not adopt budget changes at the meeting but will consider equipment purchases and potential budget amendments later.