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Portage County highway commissioner reports fiscal surplus; committee approves 2027 chassis purchase and recommends five-year CIP
Summary
Commissioner reported year-end highway fund results with a roughly $678,000 surplus and potential grant opportunities; the committee approved a 2027 truck chassis purchase and recommended the 2027–2031 highway capital improvement plan for executive consideration.
Commissioner Nathan reported that the highway department ended the year with expenses at about 92% of budget and revenues at 98%, leaving approximately $678,000 in the highway fund for future use. He told the committee machinery surpluses just under $700,000 will be deposited to the equipment fund to support upcoming purchases.
The commissioner noted the Wisconsin Department of Transportation released a $30 million program for replacement and repair of small structures (20-foot spans); applications are due May 1 and the county plans to apply for qualifying structures, including ongoing design work on a county-owned bridge over the Wisconsin River.
The committee approved a motion to purchase the 2027 truck chassis to meet vendor and emission timing concerns so chassis arrive and are built prior to next winter. Chair emphasized that ordering ahead helps avoid delays tied to vendor tariffs and production schedules.
Members reviewed the proposed 2027–2031 Highway Capital Improvement Plan, which includes standard highway infrastructure projects and facility improvements: paving at the highway department facility, expanded salt and sand storage (a new shed and brine expansion), and roof and interior repairs for existing storage sheds. The committee recommended the CIP be forwarded for executive consideration.
A member asked about material choices for salt-sand mixes and the committee discussed inventory and logistical challenges following recent freeze-thaw cycles. The commissioner said the department has applications and inventory in place and acknowledged that repeated storms strain supplies and operations.
The committee voted to advance the chassis purchase and to recommend the five-year CIP; both motions were approved by voice vote. The committee will bring the CIP to the executive as part of budget planning and pursue DOT structure funding applications before the May 1 deadline.
