the bistro off broadway
text


Bluebag Media
Future road funding crisis possible for county

GREENVILLE – “We are in a serious situation, and it is an obligation of the state to help us. It looks like there is no interest (in Columbus) in doing that.”

Darke County Engineer Jim Surber expressed his frustration regarding funding for local infrastructure on March 25. Noting his job is currently a “challenge,” he said funding levels are requiring him to dip into his reserve at a rate of $200,000 to $250,000 annually.

There is roughly $4.5 million in taxpayer funds in reserve. Surber said this will fund basic road maintenance for a year a half with no new income. He emphasized basic “maintenance,” not improvements. If income continues to decrease against rising expenses, he estimates the fund will be drained in roughly seven or eight years.

He acknowledged the recent drop in fuel prices has been financially beneficial. His fuel costs have gone down. There are other areas, however, that offset the gain. “You win on one end and lose on the other,” Surber said. The price of salt used to clear local roads is up, while the quality has been lowered. Last winter salt went from $68 a ton to $85 a ton. The price of asphalt has remained about the same – despite lower oil prices – due to the efficiency in oil refining. Its quality, as well, has decreased.

The crisis? Surber noted cracks in the roads, weight loads on bridges, keeping up with snow and ice… even vegetation on the side of the roads. He added, starting this year, they will likely have to switch from asphalt to “chip seal,” like was used by Greenville Township on Hunter Road. “It’s not as good, doesn’t last as long, but it’s cheaper...

Read the rest of the article at Bluebag Media


 
senior scribes
senior scribes

County News Online

is a Fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Committee. All net profits go into a fund for Darke County Senior Scholarships
contact
Copyright © 2011 and design by cigs.kometweb.com