Madison County approves bonds for road work and $20 million for Makita expansion

The Madison County Board of Supervisors on April 7 approved two bond resolutions: a not-to-exceed $35 million issuance for county road projects and a $20 million issuance to support Makita's land purchase and expansion.

A county staff member overseeing the public hearing told the board the county published the required intent resolution and had received no written protests. The staff member said the county will speak with rating agencies on Thursday and hopes to complete the bond sale and have cash available by May 21.

The $35 million measure is the next tranche of a previously authorized $92 million road bond program. The staff member said the county sold $19 million of that authorization last year and that this approval will cover another $35 million from the original $92 million package.

Board members also approved use of state-aid bridge funds for State Aid Bridge 4501, identified in the meeting as the Mount Pilgrim Bridge, and authorized construction work to replace bridge decks on two county bridges: one on Clarkdale Road and one on Stokes Road. The board approved Task Order 11 with Wagner Engineering for King Ranch Road work.

During the meeting supervisors moved to close the required public hearing before taking the bond votes. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing.

Why it matters: The bond proceeds will fund major road and bridge projects the county has been planning under the multi-year program; the Makita bond is tied to a private expansion the county is facilitating through an economic development bond issuance.

County Administrator Greg and County Engineer Tim Bridal were identified in the meeting as staff participants on these items; a staff member presented the public hearing and bond details to the board.

The board approved the related motions by voice vote.