DeKalb commissioners advance speed ordinance for County Road 35 and authorize bridge-study work contingent on funding

At the May 25 meeting the DeKalb County highway director updated the board on multiple road items and secured commissioners' approval to move forward on several actions.

The board accepted the Highway 2024 annual operations report and then considered an amendment to Ordinance 92-7 (DeKalb County Code 9-1-1-11) to clarify speed-limit boundaries on County Road 35 after city annexations. The highway director said the updated ordinance will amend start/stop points to Duplex Drive following Auburn's annexation. Commissioners approved first reading and — after a motion to suspend the rules — completed second and third readings that same day by voice vote.

The highway director also described a frequently flooded stretch of County Road 60 between I-69 and County Road 427. He recommended starting engineering work (photographic survey, bridge design development, geotechnical and environmental reviews) to prepare for federal grant funding. The board approved a motion to proceed with the initial engineering contract with USI Consultants with a not-to-exceed fee of $228,800, but conditioned final expenditure on appropriation or confirmation of funding sources so the county would not commit all funds at once.

Commissioners and staff discussed funding mechanics: the director said the contract would be billed across project phases rather than as a single immediate expense, and suggested approaching the county council for appropriations or asking the director to budget phases into his own department budget pending council action.

What's next: Staff will refine the scope, confirm funding plans with the county council and notify USI Consultants that the board has approved moving forward contingent on funding and contract terms. The highway department will continue routine road maintenance and advertising the Countywide Bridge Inspection RFP as required by state and federal rules.