County commissioners looking ahead

 Johnson said the fair attracts “a lot of kids” each year who work to show their animals as part of 4-H or Future Farmers of America. 

 “We want to provide the best possible experience for them and their animals,” said Johnson.

 Bridge work – specifically replacement projects for the Cove Road span and the Unity Bridge – are also key goals for the future, said Marvin. Initially, the Unity Bridge project was slated for 2025 and recently the commissioners learned the funding for the venture had come through. 

 The project to replace the Cove Road Bridge – a goal for the county that has lingered for years – will cost more than $6 million with bids scheduled to go out within the next 30 days, said Marvin. 

 “Constructions should follow shortly,” said Marvin.

 The project is funded through state, federal and county funding sources. The county’s funding piece included a 7.34% match in the amount of about $450,000. 

 The county match money will be derived from a separate tax levy for bridges, said Marvin.

 Marvin said most of the county funds were spent on the design development of the project. 

 Marvin said another priority for the county will be to hire a building inspector as soon as possible. Now, the county uses a contractor for its building inspections. 

 “Once we get our own inspector hired and certified we will be able to do our own building inspections again and that will be a plus for the contractors in our area,” said Marvin.

 Marvin, who is serving his third term as commissioner, said a courthouse annex project to add more room for assessor’s office and the department of motor vehicles should be complete by “the end of March or first part of April.”

 Wilkerson said “dealing with land use” issues will be an important challenge for the elected board during the next 12 months.

 “We are going through and clarifying our county codes on land use. We are also at the present time trying to work on clarifying how many building rights are left on original parcels (in the county),” he said.

 Wilkerson said land use questions are “always huge issues.”

 “They are the ones that will be the heaviest lift. Then you have your regular, like figuring out the budget for the year,” he said.

 Wilkerson said often “things happen, and you have to stop and deal with those things as they come up.”

 Harberd, who was elected to the board in the November election, said he still “has a lot to learn.”

 “One of my biggest things I see is being prepared for the growth we will experience and are experiencing right now. I want to make sure we are ready for that,” he said.

 Harberd said the addition of a new building inspector will be a great investment to meet the needs of future growth in the county.

 “The main thing for me is just moving forward in a positive manner,” said Harberd.