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Valley County discusses road maintenance, irrigation right-of-way and possible loss of state road funding
Summary
Commissioners discussed heavy maintenance needs on county roads, a planned irrigation pipeline using county right-of-way through Carefree area, and possible state funding reductions that could cut about $600,000 from county road funding.
Commissioners and staff described heavy maintenance needs on several county roads and the county’s efforts to keep roads passable while planning longer-term fixes. A commissioner said the county spent about $8,000 on patch material during recent repairs and that crews have been working to "keep it together" while deciding on a long-term solution.
The board discussed a proposal by the local irrigation district, represented by Will Mackey, to pipe irrigation through a 70-foot county right-of-way adjoining the Carefree subdivision. Commissioners agreed to schedule a public hearing so neighbors could voice concerns; the matter will be placed on a future agenda and noticed as a public hearing.
Commissioners also discussed a pending recommendation from the state legislature that could reduce county road funding to help fund state roads. One commissioner said the county could lose about $600,000 a year if the change is enacted. Commissioners agreed to hold a planning session after the legislature adjourns to discuss road funding, potential trade-offs (including converting some paved roads back to gravel), and whether the community is willing to consider local funding options.
Other items noted: a Profile Creek bridge-related purchase ($458,000 paid by the county for equipment not installed) is pending reimbursement; contractor bids for a bridge came in $125,000 over Forest Service budget; the county has $23,000 worth of monitors ordered to track a local bridge. Commissioners also said they will contact the engineer responsible for a recent chip-seal job because the surface is peeling in places.
