Highway director warns of salt shortages and material-price spikes; seeks wage increases

The highway director summarized the department’s budget (pages 28–41), said most lines stayed the same and highlighted several pressure points: a $100,000 expected increase for Oldenburg Bridge federal-aid work; a planned 5% wage increase for drivers and operators to address recruitment and retention; and sharp material-price increases and shortages that are delaying projects.

He said salt suppliers are already signaling higher prices and limited availability: “Last year, we was paying a $102 a ton. This year, we're gonna be paying a 160,” the director said, and added that lead times on ordered materials had stretched to six to eight weeks. He urged the commissioners to be mindful of supply and price volatility as they set the county’s bridge and wheel-tax appropriations for the coming year.