Marshall County to use $413,000 LAR award to pave Big Bear Highway; budget amended in first reading

The Marshall County Fiscal Court on July 2 approved signing a Local Assistance/Resurfacing (LAR) grant agreement that will bring $413,000 to pave Big Bear Highway.

County staffer Roy said the LAR award will pay for the Big Bear Highway paving and that trees have already been trimmed and the route prepared. "So we was awarded a lark program that Nicole applied for and we was awarded $413,000 for paving," Roy said.

The court also heard a first reading of Ordinance 2026-05, a budget amendment that records the LAR road grant alongside other new revenue. Erica read the ordinance, which lists a $413,000 road grant and additional revenue and expenditure adjustments that increase accounts by $1,253,289.71.

Officials described the next administrative steps: once the agreement is signed it will be routed through Emily Hatfield for execution and the county will schedule Smith Paving to perform the work. The court thanked county staff (including Nicole and Roy) for applying for grants and for following up on award requirements.

The LAR agreement was the subject of a motion to approve and sign; the court moved, seconded and voted to authorize execution of the agreement.

The budget amendment was presented for first reading on July 2 and includes several line items in addition to the road grant, including a $79,000 grant for a playground project and other funds; it will return for further consideration in subsequent proceedings.