Road and Bridge officials ask for funding changes as chip-seal and overlay costs rise

Road and Bridge staff told commissioners their budget faces higher unit costs for chip seal, overlay and fuel, which reduces the miles of work they can complete under current funding. Staff said new bids and higher prices mean they can do about 9.5 miles of overlay this year instead of previous levels, and that chip-seal decisions shift miles of coverage.

The department proposed a modest pay-scale adjustment to retain CDL operators and to phase step increases so employees are not hired at or above current supervisor pay. Commissioners asked for specific cost scenarios; staff offered approximate fiscal impacts (worst-case one-time payroll impact ~$65,000, more likely ~$37,000 for the remainder of the year) and proposed phased implementation (0.5 now, 0.5 early next year) to manage cash flow. The commission approved a payroll action that included a partial step program for departments that presented wage proposals at the meeting.

Commissioners also discussed capital needs (loaders, trucks, compactors) and recommended earmarking rollover or capital-improvement funds for high-priority equipment rather than immediate large-balance appropriations. Road & Bridge staff said equipment rotation under warranty and staged purchases would minimize long-term cost spikes.