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Coffee County commissioners hear staff update on paving delays, equipment needs and local road complaints
Summary
At the July meeting, county staff told commissioners that a longtime paver operator is out sick, crews are continuing patching and mowing, parts are hard to source for aging equipment and residents raised complaints about a rough railroad crossing and potholes. The commission approved routine business and set its next meeting for Aug. 5.
The Coffee County Commission met in July and heard an update from county staff about road maintenance priorities, equipment problems and several resident complaints about rough spots and potholes.
The chair called the meeting to order and commissioners approved the agenda and last month’s minutes by voice votes. A committee member moved to approve the agenda; the motion carried. A motion to approve the minutes was seconded by Miss Carolyn and also passed by voice vote.
A county staff member told the commission crews are on their second mowing round and beginning third routes. The staff member said paving work has continued in areas including Possum Paul and Beach Grove and that crews expect to resume full operations after the July Fourth break.
The staff member reported that longtime paver operator Ronnie Blackburn has become ill and will be out for an undetermined period, and that Travis will step in as lead operator and train additional personnel to run the paver. "We're going to miss him while he's out," the staff member said.
Staff described recurring equipment problems: rusted wheels, a pulled valve stem caused by a tube, and difficulty finding parts for an older paver identified in the meeting as "a 945." The staff member said replacement parts are hard to source for the aging machine and mentioned the county is considering buying a newer dump truck next year to supplement its fleet.
Residents and meeting participants raised specific road-condition concerns. One resident reported a 10–15-foot rough stretch at the railroad crossing on Summit Road near the former Methodist building, saying the surface felt like "patch on top of patch" and noting heavy grain-truck traffic in the area. Commissioners and staff agreed to inspect the location. Staff also noted rough sections near local cemeteries and a subdivision the crew is currently working on and said crews will follow up.
The staff member reported that county-maintained roads around Coffee County have been serviced twice recently, while State Route 127 is handled by a state contract crew and therefore may not reflect county schedules. When asked about noticeable cameras seen along the route, one speaker identified them as license plate reader cameras.
The meeting ended with the commission setting its next meeting for Aug. 5 at 3:00 p.m. at the administrative plaza and adjourning by voice vote.
This report reflects items discussed during the July meeting; no ordinances, contracts or budget items were adopted during the session.
