Engineer outlines budget, future plans

Over the past seven days, Adair County department heads have presented annual updates and budget reports to the Board of Supervisors as officials work to assemble the county’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

County Engineer Nick Kauffman delivered his budget report during a special session Friday morning that also included presentations from Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, Auditor Mandy Berg and Veterans Affairs officials.

The county engineer’s budget represents the largest portion of the overall county budget. It includes several subcategories, including secondary roads, road clearing, safety, the weed commissioner, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management and E-911. Revenue is generated from multiple sources tied to various areas of responsibility.

Secondary roads is the largest area overseen by Kauffman.

Adair County has shared engineering services with Adams County for several months. However, Adams County has since hired its own engineer, and Kauffman said there is a strong possibility the county could be released from the sharing agreement before the end of the current fiscal year. Reimbursement from the agreement has provided added revenue to Adair County.

Kauffman said the county may be able to amend the budget in May due to relatively light snowfall this winter, though it is too early to determine potential savings from snow removal costs.

“We might need it, because we’re out blading in January, and we’re not usually out blading in January,” Kauffman said.

Kauffman said he hopes to purchase a used truck tractor and a motor grader during the next fiscal year, totaling an estimated $505,000 in equipment expenses. He also noted the possibility of selling an older semi tractor the county no longer needs.

Looking ahead, Kauffman said he would like to hire a young engineer to assist in the future and plans to employ an intern again this summer. Fuel prices are also expected to rise in the coming year.

Local option sales tax-funded projects during the current fiscal year have included a bridge on Sheldon Avenue in Harrison Township, a box culvert on 150th Street in Walnut Township, a box culvert along Stuart Road in Lincoln Township, a bridge on 170th Street in Eureka Township, a bridge along 227th Street in Summerset Township, a bridge repair along 230th Street in Lee Township and design work for a project along York Avenue in Lincoln Township.

For the upcoming fiscal year, budgeted LOST projects include two projects along 210th Street north of Greenfield, a bridge along Sheldon Avenue in Harrison Township, a box culvert along 170th Street in Eureka Township and a box culvert along Kent Avenue in Prussia Township.

Kauffman also outlined projects planned using tax increment financing funds. Two shoulder-widening projects — Brown Avenue and Stuart Road from Stuart to 130th Street — are included, along with associated design fees paid with TIF dollars.

Additional TIF-funded projects include seven box culverts and two bridges located throughout the county. Kauffman said total TIF spending is expected to reach $10.38 million.

The projected ending balance for secondary roads is approximately $1.5 million, which aligns with the original budget estimate.

“It’s going to be above that,” Kauffman said.

Under road clearing, Kauffman said he would like to purchase a new sprayer that can be mounted on a flatbed pickup.

Overall, Kauffman followed the compensation board’s recommendation of a 4% wage increase when developing his budget. Salaries are paid from different areas of the budget, depending on the work an employee is performing.

Though it is not under his jurisdiction, Kauffman also noted a project that will significantly impact motorists this spring and summer. A bridge on Highway 92 over the Nodaway River in western Adair County is scheduled to be replaced.