The Department of Local Government Finance has not produced a decision concerning Marshall County’s increase in the Cumulative Bridge Fund. The commissioners adopted a resolution in March that increases the fund $.0524 per $100 of assessed valuation to make sure that fund is solvent in order to make necessary repairs to the county’s bridges for public safety.
A public hearing conducted by the Department of Local Government Finance was held May 9 as at least 10 petitioners filed objections to the increase in a timely manner to the state. Marshall County Auditor Julie Fox, Marshall County Commissioner Kevin Overmyer, USI Consultant Phil Beer, and Marshall County Councilman Jon VanVactor testified in favor of the increase. None of the petitioners were present at the meeting to voice their objections, but petition carrier, Bev Sammons, indicated to the auditor that she would be sending her comments via mail.
The current rate is not at its maximum level, but the proposed increase would gather another $660,000 next year. Jon VanVactor testified that if the increase is not approved, the fund will see a deficit starting in 2019 of $25,000. That deficit could increase to over $1 million in 2020 and over $3 million in 2028.
Auditor Julie Fox said she anticipates a decision to be made in the next couple of weeks. The petitioners had a window of time to submit their written objections to the DLGF for consideration.
