Motor Vehicle Highway and Local Roads and Streets distributions for May look healthy, but Marshall County Highway Superintendent Jason Peters is waiting for the effects of COVID-19 to show in the coming months.
Peters told the commissioners on Monday morning that the May distribution came in which reflects April funds. According to Peters’ report, the Motor Vehicle Highway fund was less about $54,700 from 2019 while the Local Roads and Streets fund was about $4,500 short of funds from 2019. It shows only a slight decrease from what could be expected when the June distribution is collected.
A recent webinar with LTAP showed that a 40 to 50 percent loss in funds could be expected due to traveling restrictions and the governor’s stay-at-home order in March and April. Fuel prices dropped as demand dwindled which means less gas tax revenue to support those funds.
There is a lot of uncertainty, but Peters said crews are continuing with the summer projects. Peters said he may hire a few part-time employees to help with mowing so it doesn’t fall behind.
