Chamber Questions County Hwy Building Costs

Chamber President Brad Meier asks the Steele County

Commissioners questions regarding the projected

$13M highway shop building

project.

The OACCT Public Policy committee and Chamber President Brad Meier attended the Steele County Commissioner's Committee of the Whole meeting on May 8th to find out why the projected costs of the proposed highway department shop is upwards of $13M.

County efficiency, space needs and FEMA money for the three flooded buildings on Hoffman Dr. were factors in the estimated cost of the project.

An internal and external space needs assessment was conducted, as well as a county equipment list was used to determine the square footage needed in a new facility.  These items were laid out with the architect for the most efficient use for operations.

Administrator Shea did clarify that the project budget was a factor, but the county needs assessment took priority.  Shea and Commissioners insisted that the proposed shop doesn't include any "wish list" items--it's strictly designed around need.

When asked if the county had a reserve account or money saved for this project, Shea explained that it's not the county's policy to reserve money. "It's been the policy of the board not to earmark money for future use-it's asking people today to pay for future use."

Commissioners were also asked if they could monetize the efficiencies the new shop would bring to the county. The answer was no, but that the soft benefits of time savings and  proper care of equipment would be impactful to residents when their road needed to be plowed in the winter and less equipment would need to be purchased since it was properly maintained.

The Commissioners are hosting a public open house on May 15th for residents to learn more about the project. A project timeline shows the county moving into the new shop August 2013. 

http://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/news/local/article_b444d5f4-a640-5e5f-b755-d9253052de81.html