Thursday, March 28, 2024

County road & bridge department faces budget crunch

Posted

Higher fuel costs have taken a significant bite out of the county road and bridge budget for the 2022 fiscal year, to the point where the majority of the budget had already been spent by late March.

The message was delivered to the Coryell County Commissioners Court by County Road and Bridge Administrator Justin Latham, who provided details to county officials and then asked for direction on how to proceed.

"We normally budget about $250,000 per year or $4,800 per week, but the last few weeks we've been averaging $8,000, and one week we spent $8,600," Latham said. "We only have $97,000 left in the budget, and I estimate we'll need at least $120,000 to $125,000 (to complete scheduled road and bridge projects throughout Coryell County).

"What do you suggest we do – shut down the trucks? I can amend the list and stop some projects."

County Auditor Ben Roberts recommended that the road and bridge department continue to operate on the same schedule.

"I would suggest you continue to do all the work you planned," he told Latham. "We can amend your budget. The sheriff's office is probably having the same problem."

Commissioner Kyle Matthews also suggested the projects continue at the same pace.

"It's a little too early to quantify slowing down," he said.

Costs are also rising for deliveries.

"On the other side, we are starting to see price increases from vendors and fuel surcharges, and they are affecting our materials costs," Latham said. "This will impact our budget as well, but it's not as severe as fuel costs. I've spent an additional $43,000 just on transportation. Some of these costs I can absorb and some of them will be difficult."

County Judge Roger Miller said he believes there will be additional funds available from programs such as the American Recovery Act Plan to help offset the rising costs.

"It is a concern because of the economic impact but I do believe more funds will be made available," he said. "I really think the underlying story is the economic impact of events in the world we live in (such as a pandemic and war overseas). Front and center this is impacting businesses and people. The county has a little more leeway."

Latham said his department will be over budget if it continues to operate as planned.

"If we keep going the way we are, I will be in the red on at least one or two line items," he said. "I just wanted to get some guidance."