Stephenson County highway officials told the Public Works Committee on Nov. 6 that the department completed about $3.4 million in work this year and has roughly $6 million planned for the coming year, and the committee approved several appropriations to fund routine and project work.

Bill, speaking during the highway update, said the volume of construction will increase next year as projects move forward and that he expects continued use of an outside contractor (Will Hoffman) to augment the countys construction staff. He also said key staff retirements are upcoming (Alan in March and two additional retirements over the next three years) and that the department expects to adjust staffing over the next seasons.

The committee approved the annual appropriation of county MFT (motor fuel tax) funds for highway projects and a separate appropriation of bar fuel tax funds (referred to in the packet as 25-21) to cover salary support. The committee also approved incorporation of funds and the countys local match—approximately $178,000—for a federal cold-in-place recycling project on Orangeville Road. Committee members described the process: crews mill roughly 4 inches of existing surface, mix in oil, re-lay the material and then follow with double seal coating to restore surface life. The project total was described as roughly $794,000; the county share was characterized as about 20 percent.

"This coming year, we got about $6,000,000. So, we're gonna be very busy next year," Bill said. Committee members asked about traffic impacts and closures; the Baldwin Road overpass closure was discussed in the context of a railroad rebuilding the bridge (railroad work expected to be done by December) and county roadway work to follow.

On budget, Brian reported a delayed consolidated account payment (about $300,000 normally received in Sept./Oct.) and an outstanding grader repair invoice expected to exceed $50,000; he said the department remains financially "above water" though tighter than preferred. The committee also approved small administrative and routine items, including surplus/mowing approval for a moist county-owned parcel near the fairgrounds and preserved property that the park district cleared as surplus.

Why it matters: The appropriations and project planning affect county road conditions, scheduled closures and the pace of preservation treatments across the county. Members requested a pavement-preservation plan to be ready for review and noted the department will cycle through the county by 2027 for preservation work.

Follow-up: Staff will provide a pavement-preservation plan and are expected to return with contract documentation for continued use of outside construction support at a future meeting. The Orangeville Road appropriation and MFT appropriation were approved by voice vote at the Nov. 6 meeting.

Sources: Remarks by Bill and Brian, Nov. 6 Stephenson County Public Works Committee meeting.