Accountability: Road Damage & Taxpayer Burden
1. Road Deterioration Is Accelerating
Heavy truck traffic and underground mining are causing rapid road damage. Quote: “A fully loaded 20‑ton truck causes as much road damage as about 10,000 passenger vehicles.”
2. Property Taxpayers Are Paying Nearly Everything
Residents currently shoulder almost all road repair costs. Quote: “Property taxpayers currently shoulder nearly all road costs.”
3. Road Failures Are Increasing Across the County
Sinkholes, collapses, and major potholes are becoming more frequent. Quote: “Examples… Eslinger Road… Odell Ave… Fairgarden Circle… Abilene Trail 40ft pothole.”
4. Highway Department Budgets Are Under Strain
Costs are rising faster than revenue. Quote: “FY 2025–2026: $6.5M (18.2% increase).”
Additionally, the Highway Department Is Underfunded by ~75%
The current budget only allows paving about 5 miles per year, meaning it would take 80 years to repave all county roads — far from the best‑practice 20‑year cycle needed to maintain safe infrastructure. Quote: “Budget only covers paving ~5 miles per year; 80‑year cycle instead of 20‑year best practice.”
5. Without New Revenue, Property Taxes Rise
The mineral tax could have offset part of the recent property tax increase. Jefferson County’s property tax rate recently rose from $1.43 to $1.49, and a severance tax could have reduced the pressure for that increase. Quote: “Could have covered one‑third (2 cents) of the property tax hike.”