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Residents press commissioners on storm debris and roadside mowing; highway superintendent outlines capacity and recovery work
Summary
Multiple residents raised safety concerns about logs, limbs and overgrown ditches after recent storms. Highway superintendent said crews are working, FEMA documentation is underway, and commissioners approved hiring two operators to bolster mowing and equipment capacity.
Several residents urged Owen County commissioners to address roadside debris and overgrown ditches left after recent storms, and the county highway superintendent described current cleanup operations and staffing constraints.
During public comment Thomas (identifying himself as living on Pottersville Road) and Tom Hudson described logs and stumps at the edge of the roadway, overgrown vegetation reducing lanes and a hazard to drivers. They asked whether the county could fund additional mowing and debris cleanup.
Highway Superintendent Greg (name given in meeting) said the department is short-staffed — roughly 13 employees on the crew compared with a larger full complement — and that equipment and manpower limits have delayed some mowing and ditching. Greg said crews are working on prioritized ditching and culvert repairs, that FEMA documentation and mitigation work from recent flooding are ongoing, and that contractors will be engaged for certain projects. He listed specific projects in progress or planned: ditching on Brainsville Road and Graham Road, culvert installation and prep work on Freedom Road, and planned work on Kelly Road and Pleasant View (community crossing projects).
Commissioners heard that Genott Cataract Road was reopened after recent repairs and that other targeted projects are scheduled. The highway superintendent said he is coordinating FEMA and mitigation teams and has been communicating with state officials to secure reimbursement and resources.
In the meeting’s business votes, commissioners approved hiring two additional highway operators to increase mowing capability and help with equipment operation; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners also discussed equipment status: the department currently has three usable mowers and has other machines out for service; one tractor may require a costly split and clutch repair.
Ending: Commissioners asked highway staff to provide cost estimates and schedules for prioritized paving and ditching projects and said they will seek local contractor options to accelerate mowing and debris removal where county crews are constrained.
