Highway department secures council support for $51,000 equipment transfer and $20,000 overtime transfer

Jason Peters, a representative of the Marshall County Highway Department, briefed the council on grant match figures and internal budget requests and won council support for two transfers intended to address equipment and winter overtime costs.

Peters reported the department’s 2025 Community Crossing match application was based on an estimated $20 million of projects; the submitted state match request was $1,243,322.95 while the local 20 percent match came in at about $248,664.59. He asked the council to support two transfers: $51,000 from the unrestricted highway fund to purchase a refurbished emulsion tank (to reduce downtime and travel for emulsions) and $20,000 into the overtime‑restricted fund to cover overtime incurred during heavy winter weather.

Council members discussed overtime practices, including whether schedules could be adjusted, use of part‑time seasonal workers, and state rules governing overtime calculation. Peters explained the department allows employees to take comp time after reaching 40 hours but does not mandate sending staff home once overtime is reached. After discussion, a councilor moved to support the two transfers, another councilor seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote.

Peters also reviewed equipment‑leasing options and a multi‑year approach to financing larger purchases, noting some fleet items are leased under terms that function as lease‑to‑own arrangements; he emphasized the department’s restricted/unrestricted fund structure and the risk that abnormal weather can force drawdowns of fund balances. The council did not set new policy on overtime or hiring at the meeting but asked staff to keep exploring options to manage overtime costs and to return with follow‑up information if needed.

Outcome: the council supported the two internal transfers by voice vote and accepted the highway department’s equipment and budget update for planning and follow‑up.