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Highway commissioner requests two full‑time hires ahead of possible Willow Road transfer
Summary
Highway Commissioner Ben Rich requested two full-time 2027 positions tied to a possible jurisdictional transfer of Willow Road; members discussed funding options and whether the county should accept the road.
Highway Commissioner Ben Rich told the Oneida County Public Works Committee he was requesting two full‑time positions for 2027 in anticipation of a potential jurisdictional transfer of Willow Road. Rich framed the hires as preparation for additional maintenance responsibilities if the county assumes jurisdiction. Member Billy Fried suggested the request be included as part of a package tied to the jurisdictional-transfer proposal.
Committee discussion centered on funding and long-term costs. Bob Almekinder said he was contacting state elected officials and the Department of Transportation to explore potential funding sources; Dan Hess said he would contact U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Fried said he opposed taking the roads even if reconstruction funding was found because of the added cost of two employees and equipment. No formal decision to accept the transfer was made during the meeting.
