County Discusses Road Projects
The Jasper County Commissioners Monday spent an hour discussing roads and trying to set priorities.
The discussion came in a work session before the regular meeting, and continued during the meeting. Commissioners agreed to use the 2015 Local Match Improvement Grant (LMIG) to pave two miles of Post Road.
During the meeting, the commissioners examined a list of roads they had put out to bid to see the cost of resurfacing. The county has LMIG funds which require a 30 percent local match, and the two together equal just over half a million dollars.
The county put out to bid Dallas Trail, Gem/Yancey Road, Avant Road, Deer Run Circle, and sections of Hodges Farm Road. The total low bid came in at $769,266. After some discussion, commissioners agreed to do all the roads except Deer Run Circle, which would put them just over the budgeted amount.
{{more}}
Pittman Construction, the low bidder, is prepared to begin work immediately.
The county engineer, MarkWhitley was present for the discussion to answer questions, and then presented his proposals to fix the single lane wooden bridge on Pitts Chapel Road in the north end of the county. Newton County has expressed an interest in partnering in the project.
Commissioner Doug Luke said that probably 200 vehicles a day cross that bridge, and it is unsafe. Mr. Whitley said he has begun research and he expects the only way to fix it right will be to put in a new bridge. The cost of the bridge and necessary road work will run close to a half-million dollars, he expects. There is a chance that there could be another way to do it, but it would only save about $50,000. The bridge itself would run about $200,000, but apparently major road improvements are needed at the approaches.
Commissioners took no action on the possible project other than to instruct Mr. Whitley to investigate further and see if the less expensive way is a viable alternative.
Also while discussing road work, commissioners agreed to get a per unit bid for patching to do about $150,000 worth of patching throughout the county. The per unit price was used rather than putting each road needing patching in the bid documents. County personnel will have to determine which roads will get the patching, and will have to mark the areas for the contractor.
Mr. Whitley said that patching, like paving, is dependent upon weather, but that in this area usually it can be done until early winter, with January and February being the only months to really rule out any such work.
Also at Monday’s meeting, Commissioners heard from Justin Crighton about the county’s recreation plan. He explained the plan was developed in four parts, with the most needed item being a multi-purpose facility and walking trails.
Commissioners also approved a detailed budget for the sheriff, which was changed from when the original budget was adopted. The new budget contains an additional mill of tax revenue, and the sheriff tried to show where ti will be used. The additional tax was levied when the county learned the sheriff would have to take over all policing of the city of Monticello because that department was disbanded.
Commissioners accepted the low bid and agreed to purchase 24 sets of turn-out gear for the fire department. They also accepted the only bid for a new roof at Station 1, the Jackson lake Fire Department.
