County staff report heavy winter response, depleting salt supplies and overtime

Unidentified Speaker 4, a highway staff member, told the Coffee County Highway Commission that crews worked extended hours responding to a recent winter storm and that the county used "about three truckloads, about 75 tons or somewhere in that neighborhood" of salt during the event. He said crews ran six trucks and the county logged 113 overtime hours on the response.

"JoJo orchestrated most of that snow removal, and it did an excellent job," Unidentified Speaker 4 said, praising staff efforts for keeping roads passable. He added that parts for older equipment have been difficult to source but that the shop is "getting ready to go" for spring service work.

Staff reported the county had ordered an additional two loads, "50 tons to come in within next week," but that regional shortages had caused earlier deliveries to be delayed. Unidentified Speaker 1 reiterated the supply concern, saying the prior ice storm had nearly emptied the county shed and that replenishment remains uncertain.

Commissioners discussed storage capacity. Unidentified Speaker 4 estimated the salt shed can hold "about a 125 maybe" (tons) if piled high; speakers cautioned that another major event while suppliers are out would strain the county's ability to respond.

The commission did not take action beyond requesting staff to continue monitoring supplies and part availability; no formal policy change or expenditure was approved at the meeting.