How would you rate our county roads? Are they adequate? If they are inadequate what can be done to improve them? Simple Questions. Hard Answers.

Most would agree that our transportation system is inadequate and in a state of disrepair; this includes county, city, state and federal roads and bridges. The problem is obvious, even to those of us who are not civil engineers. We lack the necessary resources, including equipment, material, supplies and personnel to properly maintain our roads and bridges. This results in potholes, mud, and flooding. Roads become impassable. Citizens are endangered.

What is the solution? The hard truth is that we as a county do not have enough money to fix the problem. In any event, money alone will not fix the problem.  We need more. We need to develop a cohesive plan. There it is, the four-letter word, PLAN. Throwing gravel on the roads, without more, is a costly temporary solution; literally throwing money down the drain with the next heavy rain. Money shouldn’t be wasted.

Formulating a comprehensive plan will take a group effort on the part of the Fannin County Commissioners Court. It will require thinking outside of the box. Historically, each of our four County Commissioners has had sole responsibility for maintaining the county roads and bridges in their own precinct. They have enjoyed a great deal of independence in decision making.  Within their own precinct, they decide which roads to repair, and which not to repair.

As you may be aware, the overall quality of roads and bridges varies by precinct.  The reason for this is simple. Over the years, some Commissioners have done a good job, considering the limited resources available, of maintaining their precinct’s roads and bridges, while others have not. Unfortunately, when a commissioner fails in this responsibility, they are not held accountable until the next election, and the next commissioner to hold their office inherits an exacerbated problem, a problem that takes years to correct.

What should be considered when formulating a comprehensive plan for improving our county roads and bridges? Let me share a few of my thoughts on the subject.

First and foremost, recognizing that the County cannot immediately bring all its roads up to snuff, I believe we should come up with a uniform policy for prioritizing road and bridge construction and maintenance.  Main traffic arteries, and roads for schools, hospitals, and first responders should be given priority, followed by roads in heavily populated areas of the County.

Second, road crews should be educated as to the importance of grade and drainage in maintaining roads. They should have an understanding of proper road construction, including crowning and laying surface, base, and subbase courses. Training is available at a minimal cost.

Third, we should look at ways to jointly utilize employees and equipment. Perhaps we should consider hiring employees, i.e. mechanics and drivers, subject to direct supervision by the Commissioners Court or their designee. I believe effort in this direction will greatly increase efficiency and result in time and cost savings.

Fourth, we should take a hard look at how we apportion funds between precincts. Fifth, we should make certain that developers pay their fair share and not be subsidized by taxpayers. We need to get them to take financial responsibility for their roads and bridges. The County cannot afford to take on new roads. With a little planning we should be able to greatly improve our County’s infrastructure. We may not be able to afford what we want, however, with proper planning we should be able to afford much of what we need.

I encourage you to share your thoughts. Fannin First.