CREST HAVEN — Freshman Freeholder Susan Sheppard has made it her business, during recent freeholder caucus meetings held prior to regular meeting, to ask questions.
At the Tue., March 15 session, Sheppard asked county Engineer Dale Foster how roads were chosen for repairs.
The topic has been on many drivers’ minds since, it seems, this year has been a particularly rough one for smooth rides.
Selection is a balancing act, said Foster, in general, what needs to be done compared with funds available.
A simple paving project where the contractor could “pave and get out” is less than a project that involves curbs, sidewalks and drainage, Foster said.
Since it appeared to Sheppard “our debt ratio seems very low, how much money do we spend each year on infrastructure?”
“Last year, $24.7 million,” replied Foster.
“How much of that were grants?” she asked.
“Probably less than $10 million,” said Foster.
Projects are funded by bonds, said Foster. In most cases, even when grants will fund a project, the county must “put money up front before we are reimbursed,” said Foster.
Foster said last year’s figure included a library project as well as road projects.
“They all end up in my office,” said Foster of projects of every description.
He estimated of the $24.7 million in projects last year, $16 million went to roads and bridge repair projects.
Sheppard then asked if the board had a policy of how much it sets aside to upgrade infrastructure, “So it was stable.”
Director Daniel Beyel said the capital budget is where projects are prioritized. He, too, cited the scope of a project and the price of work.
Since it falls under “debt service,” he said, “We only take on as much as we can afford to pay, depending on needs. We prioritize internally what the needs may be.” Some federal stimulus money was used in 2008, he said.
Foster said bridge painting was such a stimulus project, worth $4.4 million, awarded last year.
Beyel said a master list was reviewed for work needed compared with funds available. Those include roads and bridges as well as other projects.
Debt strategy planning is done in conjunction with auditors who advise what old debts may be paid off in a year, said Treasurer Edmund Grant.
Grant said, “We have curtailed some stuff that we felt would not jeopardize welfare or safety. We have slowed down,” he added.
In 2013 and 2014, “we anticipate an increase in the amount of dollars in capital improvements,” said Grant.
“Right now we are squeezed to stay where we are,” he added. “Anything on the books now, I have to borrow, will increase our principal and interest.
“It’s the (tax) rate. No one wants to see the rate up when ratables are going down,” said Grant.
Sheppard cited a list in hand of road projects. “What do we estimate?” she asked.
Foster replied $1.7 million.
Grant said that while project totals may come in a year, “A lot of projects are left over from years past.”
“When he said $24 million, we never issued $24 million on the books in one year,” said Grant. The sum, he said, included old and new projects.
Foster said a bond ordinance last year was for renovation of the county Correctional Center. No road or bridgework was included, said Foster.
Sheppard cited a resolution planned for passage at the later regular meeting that night for Great Channel Bridge connecting Middle Township and Stone Harbor.
Foster said the county receives about $1 million annually for bridge repairs from the state.
The resolution in question, he said, was for sub-structure conduit repair as well as for concrete piers and fender repairs.
“We get a million a year for repair of bridges?” Sheppard asked.
Yes, Foster replied, depending on the “category” or bridge.
The Sea Isle City Boulevard Bridge was rehabilitated last year, since it had been classified as “structurally deficient.” That project was $3 million, with a $1 million coming from the state.
Avalon Boulevard Bridge is also in line for $1 million in repairs, since its concrete has deteriorated, and substructure is in need of repair.
“A million dollars would not do much,” Foster, said when it comes to bridge repairs.
A widening project of the bridge leading into Avalon is being done, with a $3 million price tag,
“It was functionally obsolete, so $1 million won’t go far,” Foster said.
“That’s very interesting,” said Sheppard.
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com
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