July 22, 2008

Gas prices hitting county highway department hard

The effects of rising gas prices was underscored at Monday morning’s meeting of the Wells County Commissioners.

Commissioners Paul Bonham, Kevin Woodward and C. Scott Mossburg received County Highway Department Supervisor Ed Herman’s latest update on MVH funds and wheel tax, showing that revenue from these two sources was down by approximately $160,000 on last year (MVH by $135,742.60, Wheel Tax by $25,967.17).

It was noted, that at the same time, Herman’s 2009 budget request for the highway department is up by $185,000.

In both cases, rising gas prices are a major factor. Gas prices account for $100,000 of the increased budget request, and less travel and less spending at the pump seem to be causing the drop in revenue.

Woodward updated his fellow commissioners on the status of steps to reduce the traffic risks on County Road 300W at the intersections with Ind. 116 and Ind.124.

He met with INDOT officials last week, and they advised that they will be conducting a traffic study at both intersections within the next 30 days. Once the results of this study have been received, a decision will be made by INDOT as to the best measures to take.

Woodward noted that INDOT will have the final say in whatever is decided, and for now at least, the county can only sit and wait for a decision to be made.

Bonham noted that corn crops are reaching sufficient height that they are posing an obstacle to traffic at intersections once again this year. He requested that farmers monitor this situation, and cut back the corn where a potential problem might exist.

Herman also raised the issue over water on the road behind the property owned by Rick and Dayan McGrew, on U.S. 224, about a quarter mile east of Ind.1.

It appears that the pipe in the area is working, but there is still some surface water that is causing problems. Two quite different quotes have been received for this work, and the project needs to be looked at further.

Mossburg also noted that some of the roads, in particular in the area around Liberty Township, still have thistles, although they were supposedly sprayed. He noted that now that the thistles have blossomed, it is probably too late to respray, and was not happy that this job was not done effectively.

Woodward questioned the state of the wiring at the jail, noting the number of lightning strikes there in recent times, and especially the damage done on June 25, 2008. It was agreed that this should be checked to make sure that the safety mechanisms in place are still sound, and that no “unknown” damage has been done.

Mike Lautzenheiser Jr. presented proposals to the commissioners for a series of new GIS fees. The commissioners will give these proposals some study before discussing them.

County Surveyor Jarrod Hahn advised that his previously approved request for a photocopier could not be accommodated as the model he was looking to purchase is no longer available. He has found an alternative, but this costs $5,181, whereas only $4,000 was originally approved.

The commissioners approved the request for additional funds to complete the purchase.

The commissioners concluded the meeting by reviewing the 2009 budget request they will present to the Wells County Council this (Tuesday) evening.

In other business, the commissioners:

— Noted a payroll amount of $187,354.20 with 205 claims totaling $313,767.23 requiring payment.

— Were advised that there are currently 104 inmates in the Wells County jail. Of these, 31 are Department of Corrections inmates and 73 are county residents.

— Provided their endorsement of the contracts negotiated by Judges Goshorn and Hanselman and Public Defenders, and presented to the Wells County Council as part of the Courts 2009 Budget proposals.

— Noted that the four-day working week for the county highway department has enabled chip and sealing to finish this week, well ahead of the normal finish time.

— Received INDOT’s 2007 bridge inspection report.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 9 a.m., Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 at the Wells Carnegie Annex, 223 W. Washington St., Bluffton.

frank@news-banner.com

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