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Council authorizes interlocal bridge agreement; Allen County allocation to fall to $11,151
Summary
Allen County Highway staff described an updated interlocal agreement that changes the surtax allocation formula and reduces Woodburn’s annual bridge allocation from $13,938 to $11,151; the council authorized execution of the interlocal agreement by unanimous vote.
Allen County Highway staff presented an updated interlocal agreement on bridge funding and the Woodburn City Council moved to authorize executing the agreement.
Bill Hartman, introduced by the Chair as representing the county highway department, outlined the changes to the funding formula and local allocations. “Current allocation, Allen County is, 13,938 a year or about, 44%…and this change would, be 35% and go down to 11,151 a year,” Hartman said. Under the new flat‑percentage approach the county plans to use the surtax wheel tax as the primary pie and distribute shares by percentage so municipal contributions are more consistent as annexations change assessed shares.
Hartman also gave project specifics affecting the city: the Tile Mill Bridge rehabilitation was described as about a $1,000,000 project planned for next year; a sidewalk/crosswalk project near the school carries an estimated local cost of roughly $220,000; and the Woodburn Road bridge is scheduled as a federal‑aid replacement project with an estimated contract value of about $2,300,000, with construction likely to begin the season after bid award.
Council action: a council member moved to authorize executing the interlocal cooperation agreement with Allen County. The motion was seconded and adopted by all those present. The council and staff discussed inspection costs and local matches for inspection work; staff said most localities had already paid their portion of inspection fees and that the county proceeds with a single consultant for inspection and a countywide multi‑year bridge plan.
What this means: the change moves Woodburn’s annual contribution downward as presented but also alters the allocation method to a flat percentage of surtax receipts. Staff said the county will record the agreement and return a recorded document to the city once signatures are gathered.
