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Putnam County highway department seeks equipment and bridge funding amid shortfall
Summary
Highway Director Clint Maddox briefed commissioners on storm damage, multiple bridge projects, and equipment needs. The department is about $170,000 short on equipment purchases and requests could be affected by a proposed $1 million allocation of 2026 EDIT funds under County Council review.
Highway Director Clint Maddox told the Putnam County commissioners on March 16 that the department is advancing several bridge conversions and repair projects while pressing for equipment the crew needs to operate.
Maddox reported work on Bridge 152 and plans to replace Bridge 107 and convert Bridge 148 back to a culvert. The board approved multiple contractor quotes for bridges 95, 154 and 211 and asked staff to hold Bridge 92 for now. Maddox also noted Bridge 45 is on the county line and that Hendricks County had no storage option for a historic bridge if Putnam County sought to preserve it.
On equipment, Maddox described an available used 2021 tractor with about 850 hours for $115,000, and reminded commissioners that the department has equipment needs that total roughly $200,000; Beck said the department is approximately $170,000 short. Commissioners approved requests to pursue equipment purchases pending County Council funding and to resubmit for Community Crossings bids. Beck said the outcome may depend on whether the County Council approves a proposal to allocate $1 million in 2026 EDIT funds to the highway department for roads, bridges or equipment.
Commissioner Tom Helmer and others emphasized the need to prioritize between bridges, roads and equipment because the county cannot fund everything this year. The board scheduled an administrative meeting for next Monday at 8:00 a.m. in the highway department to coordinate bids and planning.
Next steps: Commissioners approved several bridge quotes and authorized staff to pursue equipment purchases pending Council approval; the final scope will depend on Council action on EDIT funds.
