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Screven County commissioners press for road repairs, ask for broader input on 2022 LMIG list
Summary
Commissioners discussed persistent washouts and overgrowth, were told delays stem from understaffing and rain, and heard a plan to increase the number of motor graders; officials asked for more board input on the 2022 LMIG road list.
The Screven County Board of Commissioners spent a significant portion of its Aug. 10, 2021 meeting focused on persistent road problems, staffing shortfalls in the Roads & Bridges Department and how the county will prioritize road work for the 2022 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG).
Commissioner Allison Willis presented photographs showing overgrowth and washouts and said, "the county owes it to the tax payers of this county to maintain the roads and do it right." Road Superintendent Roger Brannen told the board the department has fallen behind because it is understaffed and because of recent rain, and he said he "needed help finding people to work." Vice‑Chairman J.C. Warren directed complaints about the department to the interim county manager for follow-up.
Interim County Manager (the minutes contain an attendance listing name that differs from the name used later in the discussion; see audit) told commissioners she and Mr. Brannen have a plan that includes increasing the number of motor graders operating in the county at a time in hopes of getting work back on track. Commissioner John O. Triplett asked what the department needed; Mr. Brannen reiterated that hiring additional workers is the primary constraint. Commissioner Willis asked how roads are chosen for repairs; Mr. Brannen said he "tries to pick the roads with the most complaints and in the poorest condition." Commissioner Warren said Mr. Brannen knows the roads best and should be allowed to select priorities.
Commissioner Mike Dixon later suggested forming a committee that would include Commissioner Willis to examine Road Department issues in more depth.
Why it matters: county road maintenance affects routine travel, emergency access and long‑term repair costs; decisions about LMIG priorities will influence which local roads receive state grant funding next year.
Next steps: the board discussed giving the county manager more input into the LMIG submission and did not take a formal vote on changing selection procedures during the meeting.
