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39th Annual Darke
County Engineer’s Report, 2016
By: James P. Surber P.E., P.S.
Darke County Engineer
This report shows money received for the year, all expenditures made,
and what was maintained, constructed, purchased, or improved.
2016 began with a relatively mild winter, and continued with a nice
summer, and an excellent fall and early winter. It was one of the best
years for construction in recent memory.
While state funding increased $18,622 over 2015, our total receipts
were down by $8,280.86. By closely watching expenditures, we were able
to finish the year in the black by $61,508.30 which is just over one
per cent of the total expenditures.
Accomplishments for the year, in addition to the normal activities of
road and bridge maintenance, included new surfaces on 48.6 miles of
road, sealing of cracks on 27.9 miles, six new bridges constructed, and
six bridges rehabilitated or repaired.
In August, the Darke County Commissioners enacted a controversial $10
permissive fee on vehicle licenses that will begin in 2018. In addition
to the County, this will also provide greatly needed road and street
funding for townships, villages and the City of Greenville. By mutual
agreement of the Commissioners and I, the additional money for County
roads and bridges will be delayed until possibly 2020; but additional
funds delayed are, of course, far better than none. It is definitely a
positive step for local infrastructure, which has been severely
neglected by our state and federal lawmakers.
Our employees continue to do a great job with road maintenance and
bridge construction responsibilities. We are surface-sealing roads with
County personnel and equipment and plan to upgrade the machinery for
this process which has become much more prevalent due to high paving
costs and static revenue.
The challenges faced on local roads are shared by Township Trustees,
villages and cities.
Readers may contact us with any questions or comments. Phone:
937-547-7375 or email: dce@earthlink.net
Get the complete 2016 Report here
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