Supervisors hear $1.4M deficit on road projects; staff weigh used equipment and financing

County road and public‑works staff briefed the board on ongoing capital work and equipment needs tied to the 2026–27 budget.

Jennica Ott Rowe, department financial manager, told supervisors that County Road 91 and County Road 1 projects are underway and that the projects are reimbursed at 80%, leaving the county responsible for the remaining match. “So those are reimbursed at 80%, so we will be having a little deficit, but we've been able to tap into what we've been saving for the last several years,” she said, explaining the fund‑balance approach to cover the county portion.

The county’s capital plan includes discretionary equipment purchases (about $800,000) that could be reduced to lower deficit spending; staff said they are also pursuing used equipment coming off lease, such as two rollers, and financing options for a paver. The county’s presenter said roughly $1.4 million in deficit spending for SS4 projects was anticipated and will be paid from reserves built over recent years.

Supervisors discussed tradeoffs between buying new equipment, leasing, or continuing to contract paving work; no new action was taken at the hearing, but staff said they will return with financing options and equipment quotes for board consideration.