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Highway superintendent warns gasoline suspension could cost Switzerland County $200,000–$300,000
Summary
Highway Superintendent Dusty Hunt told commissioners that a failed culvert, ongoing chip-seal work, fleet warranty repairs and a possible gasoline suspension — for which he and staff are seeking a refund — could strain the county budget; flood repairs to Bulger Tapp are expected to be 75% reimbursed.
Dusty Hunt, Switzerland County’s highway superintendent, told the commissioners at their June 15 meeting that a failed Pleasant Grove culvert requires a replacement that may take three to four weeks to arrive, and that chip-seal crews have finished work on Rosenberger, Mathews and Vernon roads and started on Montgomery.
Hunt said two of the county’s three roadside mowers are back in service, while Trucks 7 and 8 are at Peterbilt for warranty work. He said Bulger Tapp flood damage will require repairs that he expects to be 75% reimbursed and that the county will advertise the repair work for bid. Hunt said he and a county staff member, Jenny, are pursuing a gasoline refund related to recent supply issues.
Hunt told the board a gasoline suspension scenario could cost the county an estimated $200,000 to $300,000, a figure he presented as a potential budgetary exposure. Commissioners did not vote on new highway spending at the meeting.
The administration did not provide a line-item estimate of how the potential gasoline shortfall would be covered; Hunt said he would look into the cost of a replacement mower and other equipment needs. The county will advertise the Bulger Tapp repair project for competitive bids, and Hunt said staff will follow up on the gasoline-refund effort and return with any additional cost details.
The highway report was presented as an informational update; no formal budget amendment or appropriation was approved during the meeting.
