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Highway superintendent wins approval for fuel appropriation; in-house asphalt production credited with major savings
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Summary
County highway superintendent Chris secured approval for an additional gas-and-oil appropriation (about $49,000) and outlined how in-house asphalt production saved roughly $6 per ton and about $300,000 in paving costs last year. He also briefed commissioners on multiple bridge and CCMG grant awards and a long-range roundabout project.
The Daviess County highway superintendent on Monday explained and won approval for an additional appropriation to the highway gas‑and‑oil budget, citing expanded winter operations, increased mileage and the decision to consolidate all fuel expenses into a single fuel category.
Chris told commissioners that in recent years the department has increased production — from about eight miles to 15–18 miles of new road annually — and now dispatches all crews during winter operations rather than running more limited coverage. He said that consolidating asphalt-plant fuel into the gas-and-oil line makes fuel use more transparent.
Chris said the county’s in-house asphalt program yields savings: producing asphalt in‑house saves “probably $6 a ton” and, by his estimate, last year’s in‑house work saved roughly $30,000–$40,000 in production and about $300,000 on paving costs overall. He said the county uses virgin material with a 6.2% PG binder and avoids millings or slag that some contractors use, which affects durability.
The highway office also reported success on multiple competitive grants, including Community Crossings (CCMG) awards that fund projects such as Portersville Road and a planned roundabout on Old US 50 that may not be built until 2030. Commissioners approved category transfers and additional equipment purchases that Chris said will let crews be more flexible for both paving and winter operations.
The board approved the gas-and-oil appropriation and category transfers after questions and brief discussion.
