Commissioners, residents discuss culverts, storm damage and a community paver project

At the April 21 meeting, Henry County commissioners and local road staff spent substantial time on storm-related road damage, culvert improvements on Booth Road and a community paver project that depends on donated materials and county-provided sand.

Road supervisor Dennis Ballard and several attendees described two creeks that create backwater at a low point on a local road; commissioners and townships plan to post a weight limit on Booth Road while pursuing culvert additions and road-raising work when drier weather permits. County staff noted that state or federal emergency funding for storm damage would require the governor to declare Henry County a state of emergency, and that declaration had not been issued.

Commissioners were told a contractor error had delayed the Southeast 91 Road (BR0R04231) project; the commission subsequently approved Change Order No. 3 for $4,683.46 to address the setback. Dennis Ballard reported overtime by crews due to storm response and discussed sequencing work when weather allows.

A community presenter described a multi-agency paver donation from the Division of Youth Services and asked the county to provide sand for the base so volunteers and youth crews can install the pavers. The presenter said the donation involved roughly $8,000 worth of blocks and asked the county to help schedule work when conditions are dry. "If you guys could get us some sand in there, we can start laying that for the—" the presenter said, asking commissioners to coordinate with road staff on timing and logistics.

Commissioners also noted that a Fields Creek paving crew was working in another area and that paving equipment on site should help local repair timing. A drafting of a county bid-process resolution was also discussed so townships and county staff follow consistent procurement steps when bidding future projects.

Next steps include processing the approved change order through the Road and Bridge Department, monitoring weather and scheduling culvert/road-raising work when conditions permit, and coordinating delivery of sand so volunteers can begin the paver installation.