Cass County road officials defend storm response, outline staffing constraints and salt‑use changes

Bob Thompson, director of the Cass County Road Commission, told the county Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 that an early-season, wet snowstorm produced deep ice layers that required graders and special tactics to restore traction and safety.

"It was 12 to 14 inches in many areas of the county, and it was wet," Thompson said, describing a pack-then-ice condition that left three to four inches of ice on some road surfaces. He said crews used every available option, including putting tooth blades on graders and applying gravel to improve traction.

Thompson said the commission has 24 routes and 28 hourly employees, and that retirements and the recent death of a long‑time mechanic have strained shop capacity. "We're down to mechanics," he said, adding that two new mechanics have committed to start in the new year. He described recruitment challenges, saying the road commission cannot always match private‑sector pay.

Thompson reviewed changes to the county's snow‑and‑ice policy and described equipment modifications aimed at reducing salt use and improving primary‑route coverage. "Salt costs money; it's $73 a ton this year," he said. He added that treating salt at the truck discharge point makes the material more effective and reduces waste, allowing limited resources to cover primary routes end‑to‑end.

He compared Cass County's salt usage with neighboring jurisdictions: "Elkhart County averages 13,500 tons of salt annually. We average 2,400." Thompson said Elkhart also contracts many private crews, which affects response speed.

Several commissioners pressed Thompson on whether extra shifts, contractors or a countywide road millage could improve outcomes. Thompson said a millage in neighboring counties generates millions of dollars and that a new revenue stream would be required to expand staffing or operations. "It could happen if we put the right revenue stream together," he said, noting prior political resistance to a millage proposal.

Members of the public and commissioners urged clearer public education about where road funding comes from and encouraged residents to use the road commission's service‑request website; Thompson asked callers to direct concerns there so the commission can track and act on them.

Public commenter David Croix of Howard Township told the board he witnessed near‑miss crashes on county roads during the storm and said planning and earlier action could have reduced hazards. "I believe there was plenty of time to get things set up ready to go," Croix said.

The board did not take a formal action on staffing or funding at the meeting; commissioners asked staff and the road commission to explore options and return with proposals, including potential millage scenarios or other revenue strategies.

Next steps: the board asked road commission staff to report back with options for funding, staffing and operational changes for prioritizing the primary road network.