County approves bridge inspection agreements, 2026 paving contract; Beatty Road community crossing grant awarded

County Engineer Bob Listerman presented several routine but material engineering and construction items Dec. 2 and the board approved inspection agreements and the 2026 paving contract.

Listerman said short‑form agreements with FPBH are in the meeting packet for inspection services: not‑to‑exceed $50,700 for Small Structure 127 (Greeley Road) and not‑to‑exceed $96,500 for Bridge 68 (York Ridge Road). Commissioners approved the inspection agreements after staff confirmed contract language and modifications.

Listerman also presented the county‑funded 2026 road paving contract with Dave Amerrick Contractors, saying the notice of award has been issued and the current step was signature of paperwork; commissioners moved and approved the county paving contract.

Separately, Listerman reported the Indiana NDOT Community Crossing matching grant awards: the county's top priority, North Hogan Road (requested about $905,000), did not receive funding in the competitive round, but the county's second application for Beatty Road was awarded $481,871.89. Listerman said staff will seek additional county funding if necessary to address North Hogan and will pursue other options such as a subdivision dead‑end road program.

Commissioners discussed how a possible future wheel tax could generate additional highway funds (an estimated $2 million annually at the maximum rate) but noted such revenue would not be available for paving until at least 2028 depending on implementation timing.

Next steps: Listerman will set preconstruction meetings with contractors, finalize signatures on bonds and contracts and return with project schedules.