Marshall County Commissioner Stan Klotz appeared before the county council Monday morning to make another request for more funding for the highway department to finish some projects this year.
Klotz asked for $600,000 to close out the year so the county can work on roads in the Lake of the Woods area. He suggested using Rainy Day Funds to fund work.
“When we had flood damage a year ago and it was $1.5 million we didn’t go over the cliff and I don’t think $600,000, or $300,000 or $400,000 will not put us over the financial cliff,” stated Klotz. “At some point, we’ve got to make an investment in this county.”
While the county council members expressed their support of the highway department and praised the work done so far this year, Councilwoman Penny Lukenbill said the county has made an investment in the road program in recent years. However, she stressed there are more obligations coming out of this year’s budget and more next year that the council needs to focus on at this time. Stellar match money, the clock tower project at the courthouse, funding the addition of a fourth General Jurisdictional Court, and the possible construction and eventual staffing of an additional pod at the Marshall County Jail are just some of the projects in the future that need the council’s attention.
County Council President Judy Stone said they have to watch their funds as they have to stretch December tax distribution funds through June of 2020 and can’t run the risk of depleting line items for these obligations.
“There’s just too many unknowns for us right now,” commented Stone. “We’re waiting just like everybody else because that’s our job – not necessarily to wait, but to make sure that this county runs as a whole.”
Klotz countered, “I understand, Judy. I’m just partial. I’m partial toward the highway. I know a lot of people are sick of these roads and I want to get them done.”
Stone replied, “I want the county as a whole. That’s what I’m partial to.”
The council members did not make a motion for funding.
