Calhoun County hearing spotlights state funding shortfall for local roads

Road Commission Managing Director Kevin Henning told the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 6 that the transportation task force is pressing for increased state support for both state and local roads and that townships and local groups should contact legislators to request fuller funding.

The presentation, labeled “Local Roads Matter!,” came as residents and commissioners described widespread pavement deterioration across the county. Homer resident Lane Landis, speaking during citizens’ comments, raised concerns about the condition of county roads and infrastructure and urged action.

Marengo Township resident Gardy Berezonsky said he had attended the most recent Road Commission meeting and that, in his view, Mr. Henning had not received authorization from the Road Commissioners to speak to the county board that evening; Berezonsky also alleged the county Health Board had held a closed session that was not listed on that body’s agenda. The board did not take formal action on Berezonsky’s assertions during the meeting.

Henning described work by a transportation task force and said he was urging coordinated outreach between townships and legislators so state funding could be restored or increased. No formal county-level funding motion or appropriation followed from the presentation; the board accepted the presentation as information.

Commissioners earlier approved a consent agenda that included resolutions from other counties urging restoration of state revenue sharing and opposing state legislation or regulatory changes; those items were filed for the record rather than acted on.

The board received no motion to alter county road funding at the Aug. 6 session. Commissioners who raised the issue asked staff to continue coordinating with townships and to keep the board informed about task-force activity and any legislative requests.