Committee weighs whether to continue county administration of LRIP pilot as deadline nears

The Ashland County Highway Committee discussed whether the county should continue administering a statewide LRIP pilot or let a consultant/facilitator handle administration; the committee agreed to consult town representatives before making a final decision.

Why it matters: the LRIP pilot influences how limited state funds are allocated for local road work. Who administers the pilot could affect where money is steered among towns and counties.

Details - Contract timing: Committee members said the pilot contract required a decision by June (committee discussion referenced June or July 1 as expiration). The county must decide whether to sign the contract to continue administering the pilot or to opt out and let the facilitator/consultant run it. - Stakeholder concerns: Staff reported that the town association holds a majority on the statewide committee that recommends funding and that town representatives have indicated those counties served by the facilitator often fare better in allocations. That raised concerns that county administration could disadvantage some towns. - Next steps: The committee directed staff to invite town chairs or a town representative from each town for a meeting to identify preferences. The committee tentatively planned a June meeting to make a final decision and to avoid requiring a full county board vote if this committee can make the decision as it did previously.

Ending Staff will schedule meetings with town representatives and return to the committee in June with a recommendation on whether to sign the LRIP pilot contract or cede administration to the facilitator.