Public works warns of maintenance delays as snow removal strains budget; board notes school-zone speed cameras

Brian Locker, the county’s assistant engineer, told the Board of Supervisors the public works maintenance budget is strained this season and the department faces a roughly $800,000 gap against planned expenditures. "Roughly about $800,000 with 1.2 budget change," Locker said while outlining the department’s current spend plan and noting that snow removal has reduced capacity for pothole repair, gravel-road work and other routine maintenance.

Locker said primary and secondary mowing will begin in April or May and that residents will see trash pickup and crews in the coming weeks. He also confirmed Route 60 school-zone photo enforcement is up and running and that the contractor controls the enforcement schedule. On crosswalks near the courthouse area, Locker said no direct funding is currently available and VDOT must review warrants before installation.

In board comments, a supervising member noted the county’s earlier decision acknowledging that state code gives local law enforcement authority to administer school-zone cameras and that fines from the process would not be placed in the general fund. The chair said sidewalks and a missing crosswalk in front of the high school are safety gaps the county can address. "The sidewalk ends right in front of the high school. There is no crosswalk there," the chair said, urging improvements to better protect students.

Staff said the secondary six-year plan and pavement-marking work will proceed once the budget is finalized; VDOT and county staff will continue to coordinate on warrants, funding and scheduling.