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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
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