Snow, flood expenses mounting in county
By Stu Merry, BHG News Service
It’s the gift that keeps on giving – or taking in the case of McLean County. This past winter’s snow took lots of time and effort by crews and contractors to keep as many roads open as possible. This spring, and continuing through the summer, spring flooding repairs are also sucking funds from county coffers. Now, it’s time to pay the bills. County Auditor Les Korgel told commissioners at their meeting July 5 the budgeted fuel account is already at 93 percent expended with $371,779 out of $400,000 spent. With many culverts damaged or washed out by spring flooding, culvert expense has also skyrocketed. The annual budget for culverts is $25,000. It has been exceeded by $41,000 with more culverts waiting to be replaced. The contractor budget is 73 percent expended, and crews are just getting at some of the projects. The labor account is also over with 61 percent expended.
