Roads and bridges will be the first items to get attention on the county’s supplemental plan.
Gilmer County commissioners heard an update on the plan at a special called meeting March 22.
Board Chair Charlie Paris told the two post commissioners the bridges on Rock Creek Road are being reviewed by engineers.
“I am concerned about what these bridges are going to cost,” Paris said.
Before other items listed under the infrastructure portion of the plan, such as firehouses renovation, get attention, he said they must know the cost of the bridges.
Repairs of the bridges are not an option, they will have to be replaced. Public Works Director Ryan Steingruber told the board the beams used for the bridges were not big enough.
“It’s going to be expensive, we know that,” Paris said.
He said repairs on the bridge on Boardtown Road near Whitepath Road should begin when they have enough dry weather.
As for roads, they are all going out for bid. Paris said it will give the road department the option to pick and choose which roads get contracted out and which are paved by the department.
“Gives us complete flexibility, that’s great,” said Post Commissioner John Marshall.
Paris told commissioners the local bill to create an election board for Gilmer County was too late to get passed this session.
“Apparently, it was just too late,” he said.
Paris said they will give the bill to State Senator Steve Gooch to move through the legislature next session.
They will be asking for the bill to get passed early and signed early to beat any statewide legislation requiring state boards to be created.
Paris said his objection to the state law is that it would require two Democrats and two Republicans. He wants Gilmer’s local legislation to only require one Democrat and one Republican so the rest of the board will be dominated by whatever party is in control of the county.
He is targeting 2025 as the beginning of an election’s board in the county.
Other portions of the supplemental plan are pending the implementation of these first parts.