THE 2016 BOARD CHAIRMAN, Mike Constine (right) was elected by the Shiawassee County Road Commission Board during the Tuesday morning, Dec. 29, meeting.
Just after the session were (from left, seated): Road Commissioners Steve Zemcik and John Michalec with Constine plus (standing, from left) Road Commission Managing Director Brent Friess and Clerk, Finance Director Jennifer Rosser.
Friess reported that for 2015, townships around the county contributed nearly $2.2 million for projects that included asphalting, extensive sealcoating to preserve roadways, graveling and other improvements. “All of the projects came in within or under budget,” said Friess. Road commissioners will meet with Township Boards at those boards’ regular meetings starting this week and into the spring to finalize plans for summer projects. Meetings on the proposals were during the fall to make lists and do cost estimates, a road commission practice of advance planning.
The 2016 budget is $11.45 million, which includes expected and proposed projects. The 2015 budget was $9.174 million, down from the $12.857 million of 2014. In all, more than 1,100 miles of roads and highways outside cities and villages are maintained by the road commission, including I-69 and all state highways, except those in Owosso.
For 2015, with two additional Motor Vehicle Highway Fund monthly checks, directly tied to gas, diesel and license plate fees, the road commission will show about $5.4 million. Just over $400,000 of the more than $800,000 approved by the Legislature last summer for roads was received with the other half coming in calendar 2016 as the state’s fiscal year continues. (Independent Photo/BILL CONSTINE)
