Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roads topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Henry County road repairs limited after $200,000 county‑aid shortfall
Summary
Road crews reported drainage work, channel liner installation and reopened a Bullitt Hill crossing, but County Road Aid projections are down $200,000 from last year, forcing planned cuts and delaying larger paving projects until the FY27 budget is in effect.
Road Supervisor Zach Smith told the Henry County Fiscal Court that crews have focused this month on drainage improvements, grading and rocking gravel roads, and erosion control, including installing a cross drain and ditch on Jackson Road and placing 40 tons of channel liner on Wolfpen Branch Road. The water crossing on Bullitt Hill is now open "with no weight restrictions," Smith reported, after crews filled a hollow in the base with nine yards of concrete.
Deputy Judge Buchanan warned the Court that County Road Aid projections released earlier in the day show a $200,000 drop from last year. "We are down $200,000 this year from last," Buchanan said, noting the preliminary projection fell from $1,208,000 to $991,000 and that the county will need to revise its preliminary budget to reflect the shortfall. Judge/Executive Scott Bates added that the county cannot budget money it does not have and said the legislature uses an outside firm for projections he hopes will change.
The Road Committee asked each magistrate to identify the worst spots on their roads so limited paving funds can be targeted. Magistrates were told there will not be capacity for long stretches of resurfacing this year and that some recurring patching areas may require milling if problems persist. When Esq. Hartlage asked about work in District 2, Bates replied the funds "would not be available until the new budget which begins in July," indicating larger resurfacing projects will wait until FY27 appropriations are in place.
The Court did not adopt new road projects at the meeting but approved a plan to prioritize localized repairs and to re‑examine requests once the budget is finalized.
