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Van Buren County judge warns of long-term road-funding squeeze; court approves $60,000 emergency support for 911
Summary
County Judge Dale Lynch told the quorum court that county road revenues tied to mineral production have fallen sharply since 2022, prompting staff cuts and equipment-cost pressures. The court voted to amend and approve a one-time $60,000 transfer to 9-1-1 to keep dispatch functioning while budget committee review is scheduled.
County Judge Dale Lynch told the Van Buren County Quorum Court that long-term declines in revenue tied to natural gas and oil production have forced cuts to the road department and left the county with difficult choices about whether to supplement other functions.
Lynch said the county has reduced the road department staff and spending to match lower road-fund receipts. "The squeeze is on, and it's a tight squeeze," he said, summarizing recent budget moves and explaining why the county has cut nine full-time road department positions and converted two employees to part-time hours.
Nut graf: The court debated a proposed $180,000 transfer from county general to the 9-1-1…
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