The Marshall County Council members considered additional appropriations and transfers under a consent agenda item Thursday night where they discussed an appropriation for Disaster Recovery – Small Structures for the Highway Department.
Council Vice President Tim Harman stated that $200,000 was requested from the Rainy Day Fund for the Disaster Recovery – Small Structures. The money was initially for a 2018 culvert project due to flooding. He questioned why the funding would not be taken from the Cumulative Bridge Fund as it appears it would have a healthy revenue stream and balance to sustain that expense.
He pointed to a Baker Tilly analysis where it was stated that the county could spend up to $2 million in the Cumulative Bridge Fund for Capital Outlays. He said it would be appropriate to approve the $200,000 additional appropriation, but have it come from the Cumulative Bridge Fund rather than the Rainy Day Fund.
The council approved a motion to deny the additional appropriation for Disaster Recovery – Small Structures to be paid out of the Rainy Day Fund and sent it back to the commissioners for a recommendation.
During Monday morning’s Marshall County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Kevin Overmyer thought that when the council made the decision in 2018 the money was taken from the Rainy Day Fund. About $1 million was appropriated and about $200,000 was left.
Overmyer commented that the Randolph Street bridge has jumped $1 million in price and with other inflation anticipated with other projects, he said he would like to see that $200,000 from the Rainy Day Fund from which it was originally appropriated. He made a motion to send that recommendation to the council and it was unanimously approved.
Highway Superintendent Jason Peters said there are 489 structures in the county that are part of the inventory and about 25 of those will likely be in failed condition that will need to be addressed over the next three years that would preliminarily cost about $4.2 million.
During the commissioners meeting, Councilman Tim Harman asked why the Rainy Day Fund will be used instead of the Cumulative Bridge Fund. Overmyer reiterated his explanation of the decision made in 2018 and expenses on bridge projects. Harman said he would not change his position on the issue when it comes before the council in May and believes the Bridge Fund would support the request.
