Public works staff updated the commission on the county’s short-roads program, reporting roughly $715,000 of leftover LMIG/short-roads funds. Staff presented an Emerson Park candidate list (Utah, Columbia, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Montana avenues) with an estimated cost of about $779,000 and cautioned that previous flooding on some streets may require hydrology and drainage study before adding impervious surface.

Staff recommended awarding a bidding package for a separate set of short-road projects to Scruggs Construction, the lowest bidder, with a contract amount of $657,638.57 for Palmetto Drive, Lake Drive, Crystal Street, Dasher Street, Bennett Lane and the end of Story Road. Staff said the contract would be paid from 2025 LMIG funds and requires no local match; commissioners agreed to carry the award to the regular meeting for formal approval so work can begin.

Commissioners debated priorities for remaining short-road funds. Several members urged using money in outer-county communities that had been partially served in past years rather than concentrating all funds near the city, citing prior public feedback during the 1% sales tax discussions. Others argued completing contiguous projects or focusing on roads adjacent to city limits where small completions could provide more community benefit. Commissioners asked staff to compile alternative lists and to provide drainage studies where flooding risk may make paving imprudent.

The contract award and a decision about Emerson Park’s next phase were carried over to the regular meeting for formal action.