WILLMAR -- The process of setting budget markers and project priorities for the next five years for Kandiyohi County's roads and bridges began Tuesday.
The County Board of Commissioners got a look at a proposed plan that identifies roads slated for major reconstruction, bridges that need to be replaced and miles of road to be resurfaced.
A public hearing on the plan will be held in September or October.
The estimated project costs in the plan range from a high of $8.7 million in 2012 to a low of $6.6 million in 2013. Most years the budget hovers in the $7.5 million range.
The scope of projects will depend on the level of state aid, which is dependent on gas tax and license tab fee revenues, and how much local money the commissioners are willing to commit.
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Gary Danielson, public works director, estimates Kandiyohi County will see a 10 percent increase in state aid for road and bridges in 2009, an 8 percent increase in 2010 and a 3½ percent increase in 2011.
The county has used state aid for capital improvement projects, like rebuilding roads, and uses local road and bridge levies for resurfacing projects. Danielson is proposing that the county resurface 16 miles of roads each year in order to keep roads properly maintained, which could require a 4 percent increase in local funds.
Given the tight economy, the commissioners questioned how much they could raise the levy for preventative maintenance on roads.
"We're living in tough times," said Commissioner Richard Falk.
The commissioners will begin their annual budget discussions Monday morning and Falk indicated all departments, including public works, would be under close review.
"There are no sacred cows," said Falk. "We need to be careful with the money."
The county does have the ability to bond for road projects, which isn't expected to be considered this year, but could be an option in the next year or two, said Commissioner Harlan Madsen.
Commissioners praised Danielson for keeping an "aggressive" maintenance and repair program going during the last 25 years that has kept county roads in good shape.
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Danielson said, however, he is concerned that a potential change in how state road needs are calculated could actually penalize the county for future funding because the roads are in such good shape.
"We could be hurting," said Danielson.
He urged the commissioners to keep an eye on possible rule changes through their connections with the Association of Minnesota Counties.
