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Commission hears about missing cash-reserve line, bridge reimbursement and fuel-driven cuts to road work
Summary
Road and Bridge staff told the commission a cash-reserve/capital-outlay line was omitted from the 2026 budget, a Coats Bridge reimbursement (about 80%) is expected in late year, and asphalt and fuel price rises are forcing reduced paving and deferred projects.
Road and Bridge staff alerted commissioners to a clerical discrepancy: a cash-reserve and capital-outlay line from 2025 did not appear to carry into the 2026 budget, making current figures appear lower than prior years. Staff said they discovered the omission after reviewing last year's final budget and are working with the county finance officer to reconcile the accounts.
The department reported a major bridge project (referred to as the Coats Bridge) will likely be reimbursed at roughly 80% and may be paid out in December or January; the county would pay the contractor upfront and receive reimbursement. "It's an 80/20 or so — we'll have to pay it. I'll get reimbursed, 80%," one road official said.
Commissioners and staff discussed a $1.1 million widening project that would require an estimated local share of about $130,000 (approximately 10% up front). Road staff also described continuing pressures from rising oil and fuel costs: higher road-oil and diesel prices mean less paving will be done this year and some routine maintenance may be deferred. Staff framed the outcome as a plan to "do less" paving and reschedule work as necessary, and said fall chip-seal/ceiling operations will proceed when the material and crews are available.
Commissioners asked that the finance staff and county counselor review the budget lines and confirm where cash-reserve and capital outlay entries should appear. No formal vote was taken on budget adjustments at the meeting.
