Compromise on county road projects

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Rusty Nixon

Finishing the final two road projects for this year's county road plan became a question of to pave or not to pave, with the final vote going to honoring the bid for outsourcing the projects by a 5-2 margin.

County Highway Superintendent Jason Peters had asked for an additional appropriation to pave 7th Road and 12B Road this year to complete the road plan from last year.

Just how that should be paid for became the contention.

President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz proposed a compromise on contracting out the project at just under $533,000 with the county highway taking on the work for 7th Road, with 12B going to Phend and Brown for close to $290,000.

The debate became whether to keep the original Phend and Brown bid for both projects. While Peters was willing, he also said it would cut into his resources to complete the projects by winter.

Councilperson Jim Masterson stated that he deferred to Peters expertise in the matter, saying he was the department head and he deferred to his judgment.

Councilperson Brandon Schadek voted against the motion for approval, saying he didn't like being backed into a corner and there were many other pressing budget issues.

Council President Tim Harmon was the other no vote, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness for a road with a low volume of travel and residents.