The Marion County Board’s Road and Bridge Committee has moved on to work with a second candidate to be the county’s new highway engineer.
The first candidate decided against the offer. Committee Co-Chair Adam Smith isn’t sure how long it will take to replace Mike McCormick who moved to the highway engineer position in Bond County.
In the meantime, Smith wants to eliminate flooding of the highway garage building and make other improvements. He feels they can level some of the property to keep water from pouring in during heavy rains. The problem prevents any permanent flooring from being placed in the building. Smith feels they have the expertise needed with the highway department employees as well as the equipment. Smith wants to continue to search for equipment to improve their fleet which now consists of 25 year old no longer made Sterling dump trucks that are subject to frequent breakdowns.
The committee estimated they would remain in their current location on West Whitaker Street building for at least another five years before a new facility might be available. The county has purchased land for a new location on Hoots Chapel and US 50, but nothing else has been done. Smith would like to see at least some preliminary drawings completed so the cost of the project can be tabulated.
