Budget and Finance Officer, Johnette Shepek shared the 2014 Road and Bridge 1/2 cent sales tax projects list during Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting. Some projects included various culverts, asphalt overlay on Anderson, and a three mile stretch project on McDowell Creek Road.
Commissioner, Robert Boyd made suggestions, to the other commissioners, on which projects he thought were most needed. Boyd indicated the McDowell Creek project is not needed right away as the road is easy to drive on.
Public Work Director, Leon Hobson chose to make a few remarks. He stated that Commissioner Boyd is correct that the road is in good shape, but things such as safety concerns and shoulder work need to be worked on.
Despite Hobson’s additional information, Boyd still felt that the project could wait one or two years.
Commission Chair, Dave Lewis and Commissioner, Ron Wells seemed to agree with each other, that putting the project off isn’t a good idea. Lewis said “I don’t see how waiting could help. It’s going to cost us more money. We’re going to have to pay for it sooner or later”. Wells agreed that interest rates will continue to climb, and this project could cost a lot more in the future.
The list of projects was approved on a 2-1 vote, with Boyd opposed.
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Other items approved during the meeting included-the letter of support for the 5311 aTa bus grant (approval to sign), and the proposal for the University Parks sewer project.
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Lewis started the meeting’s press conference by saying, “welcome to the highest attended press conference I’ve ever seen”. He was referencing the overwhelming amount of people that showed up to witness the Kansas Association of Counties Years of Service Awards.
Most of the recognized individuals had eight year service awards, but three received 16 year awards, two received 24 year awards and three received 32 year awards.
