Commission approves $395,000 Park Road stabilization after debate over funding and timing

The Anderson County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a $395,000 Park Road stabilization project, allocating $85,000 from sports-gaming revenue and $310,000 from the county’s unassigned fund balance.

Road superintendent Gary Long presented quotes showing his department could complete the stabilization work for $395,000 and urged commissioners to move quickly because rising water levels threaten the road. “We need to get it finished. We need to do it,” Long said, describing the urgency to stabilize before seasonal increases and planned hauling activity.

Commissioners debated whether to refer the project back to the budget committee after an audit request for an itemized cost breakdown. Some commissioners, citing a pending fishing tournament and safety concerns, pressed to approve the work now; others said more financial detail and public discussion through budget would be appropriate. Director Holbrook said the funding recommendation was $85,000 from sports-gaming revenue and $310,000 from unassigned fund balance and noted audit had asked for a cost breakdown that the highway department would provide.

Commissioner McKamey moved to fund the project as presented; Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. After additional discussion about construction sequencing and available topping funds for later paving, the commission voted to approve the stabilization work and requested that the road superintendent deliver the itemized estimates that audit requested.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair announced that the motion passed.

Next steps: the road superintendent will provide the itemized cost breakdown to satisfy audit; the county plans to complete stabilization work before applying a topping pave effort later in the fiscal year.