Allen County roads continue to deteriorate with additional moisture and freezing and thawing, Bill King, director of Public Works, told commissioners Tuesday.
“We can’t do much with the potholes until the roads dry,” he said. “If we grade them now, the rock pops right back out and you damage roads more than you help them. I know people are upset, but we’re doing the right thing by waiting.”
The county has spent about $150,000 clearing roads of snow and ice this winter, he estimated.
King said conversations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency gave little hope of financial relief.
“Really, though, this is something we should take care of and not expect help from the federal government,” King said. “Snow removal is just about an annual thing. It’s something we expect to have to do.”
Construction bids will be opened for a new bridge on old U.S. 169 near the Allen-Neosho counties line March 21.
“Work probably will start in July and the road will be closed three to four months,” King said.
COUNTY ambulance crews will be at Monarch Cement plant all day Thursday to tutor employees in first aid and how to respond to medical emergencies before ambulances and crews arrive. Morning and afternoon sessions are plan-ned.
“We’ll develop scenarios to show employees how to deal with specific problems,” Nelson said.
Commissioners approved addition of a second cable television outlet at Iola’s Senior Center, 204 N. Jefferson Ave. Cost will be $50 for hookup and then $4 a month. Money is available in the senior services budget.
