Commission allocates up to $100,000 from TRT to complete three road projects after roads staff details culvert needs

Roads staff told commissioners on May 12 that combining prior TRT fund balance with a $1.7 million grant and inventory culverts allows the county to proceed with three spring and summer projects: Mountain View Road (culvert installation), Johnson Canyon upgrades, and the Escudinpah project tied to a recent legal settlement.

Staff said they can supply many items from existing inventory, including a box culvert that would otherwise cost more than $300,000, but put the outstanding need for additional culverts and cattle guards at roughly $74,000. The treasurer and attorney reviewed potential funding sources, including rollback tax funds and TRT/restaurant tax allocations.

After discussion, the commission moved to use up to $100,000 from TRT funds to complete the projects; the motion passed unanimously. Roads staff said that $100,000 would cover the remaining culverts and cattle‑guard expenses and that the county will track procurement and potential use of other fund sources if needed.

Commissioners and staff also discussed the possible long‑term use of rollback funds for land preservation versus immediate infrastructure needs; several commissioners preferred using TRT funds for the road work and preserving rollback funds for conservation easements or land purchases.