Highway staff walked the Public Works Committee through the adopted 2026 highway budget and highlighted constraints tied to a large county road project. Staff said the county’s original construction cost share on that project was expected to be $1.5 million but, after filing a change order and securing additional state and federal funds, the county’s portion dropped to $649,004.65; the county has paid $275,793 so far and anticipates roughly $373,000 remaining in FY2026.

Committee members discussed funding sources and operational decisions tied to equipment purchases. Staff noted the county historically borrows $500,000 annually for highway equipment — primarily to buy plow trucks — and specified that a new power/plow truck now approaches $400,000, which narrows available funds for other projects. The budget packet identifies wheel-tax revenue and shows approximately $216,000 of wheel-tax money still available for seal-coating or to be rotated to other projects.

On fleet strategy, staff described reducing ownership of rarely used specialty equipment (renting when needed), maintaining about 19 active plow trucks with approximately four in reserve, and preferring slightly used superintendent trucks for cost savings. Leases on specific specialty items (such as a wheeled excavator) remain part of the plan to spread cost over years.

Committee members requested clearer long-term planning and a five-year projection of prioritized road projects to guide matches and project selection in future budgets. Staff said updated road ratings and the capital improvement plan will guide 2027 planning.

Next steps: staff will continue to refine the five-year plan and road-priority list, present updated road ratings for 2025/2026, and return with refined cost estimates for equipment purchases.