Clay County commission reviews $2026 road and bridge budget, seeks grant support as district payment ramps up

Clay County commissioners on Monday heard staff present the proposed 2026 Road & Bridge budget and the county’s five‑year capital improvement plan, which prioritize pavement preservation, bridge repairs and equipment replacement while warning of a growing sales‑tax obligation tied to a road‑district settlement.

County Administrator opened the discussion and described the budget packet as the year’s final presentation on road, bridge and five‑year CIP funding; he said staff from Road & Bridge, the county auditor and facilities were available to answer questions. The presentation listed the Road & Bridge fund at roughly $20 million with operating expenditures just over $16 million and reserves to cover capital needs.

Tom Dagonhardt, Road & Bridge director, outlined 2025 accomplishments — including bridge design work funded by MoDOT’s BRO program, replacement of crossroad culverts and several pavement treatments — and presented the 2026 preservation plan. The administration asked for $22,420,000 for asphalt overlays, $1,331,000 for microsurfacing and $800,000 for chip sealing; unit costs presented included approximately $131,000 per mile for a 2‑inch overlay and $197,000 per mile to convert a chip‑seal street to…