Measure would direct funding

By: Keith Norman, The Jamestown Sun

A second initiated measure concerning Stutsman County roads is being circulated, according to Montpelier area resident Craig Headland, one of the drive’s organizers.

“The measure would require the county to appropriate 2 percent of the net taxable value of the county to the Farm to Market road system,” he said. “The money would come from all sources. With the help of the state Tax Department I looked at the 19 counties around Stutsman and they averaged 2.17 percent while Stutsman County spent 0.8 percent.”

Headland said that places Stutsman County in a bad position when seeking state funds.

“Speaking as a legislator, when we ask for more money for Stutsman County we’re told by our colleagues we’re not anteing up at home,” he said. “And we really can’t argue with that.”

The measure would require approximately an annual $1.2 million county contribution to the fund, according to Noel Johnson, chief operating officer of the county.

Currently the Farm to Market road system is supported by the matching federal aid levy of 5.81 mills, Johnson said. This generates about $360,000 locally, which is matched by another $360,000, the maximum allowed, in federal highway aid each year. The federal money is held in escrow by the state until the time of a project.

The funds accumulate until enough of a balance exists for the county to cover the local share, usually 20 percent, of a road project. There is no spending planned for the 2010 budget with a projected year end local balance of $700,000 with another $900,000 available from the escrow funds held by the state.

“Historically the commission has always used this fund for the county’s paved roads and major projects like rebuilding and overlays,” Johnson said. “It is not used for day-to-day maintenance of the roads.”

Johnson said the federal highway aid levy is capped at 5.18 mills and can only be raised by a vote of the people such as was defeated in the June primary election. To reach the contribution to the fund required if the measure passes would require redistribution of money from other county funds.

“The general fund is the only unrestricted use fund,” Johnson said. “This would involve cutting budgets where our principle costs are employees and benefits.”

Johnson said the general fund has a current budget of $2.6 million.

However, Headland feels the adjustments can be made.

“It’s not that they’re not collecting enough,” Headland said. “They’re taking in as much as the other counties. They just spend it in other places. We’re not criticizing the commission, they’re up against the wall on this, but it is not unusual in other counties to use general fund dollars for roads.”

Headland said the petition is being circulated by the same people who are currently circulating the initiated measure to place a measure to create a county road board on the ballot.

Both petition drives need 1,491 signatures by Aug. 3 when they are scheduled to be presented to the County Commission during its regular meeting.

The County Commission has also discussed placing the same or a similar measure as was defeated in June on the November general election ballot. The commission has until its Aug. 17 meeting to place any measures on the ballot, Johnson said.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at (701) 952-8452 or by e-mail at knorman@jamestownsun.com