County looking to approve 5-year highway construction plan

During their Sept. 15 meeting, members of the county board set aside time at the beginning of their next regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to share an updated list of county highway projects scheduled for completion through 2035. 

 

The hearing is both an opportunity for residents to feel better informed, and a necessary step in allowing Waseca County to continue collecting a transportation sales and use tax of one-half of one percent for eligible sales made within the county. State law allows the tax when it is approved by the county board after a public hearing, and is collected for use on a designated road construction project or a list of projects. Waseca County has been imposing the tax since 2018; over that time, $7.2 million has been collected. 

 

County Highway Engineer Jim Kollar reported during the Sept. 15 meeting that the tax typically brings in about $1.1 million a year, and is the primary source of funding for construction projects on county roads. Kollar’s report also stated no money from property taxes is used for construction, although it may be used toward project planning and development.

 

Another source of funding for county projects is the state-aid highway user tax distribution fund (HUTDF) used for county state-aid highways (CSAHs). In 2026, the county was allotted $4.17 million through this avenue.

 

The county is also authorized to collect $20 from each vehicle registration. This tax brings in nearly $400,000 a year and, according to Kollar, is “the primary source for the seal coat program.”

 

Occasional federal and state grants also help fund specific, eligible projects. Kollar’s report stated these amounts vary and may or may not be received in any specific year.

 

The proposed project list includes 45 projects at a total cost of about $74 million.

 

Kollar told commissioners plans focus on preserving pavement and replacing aging bridges, with no projects included that entail paving previously unpaved roadways.

 

Processes planned for 31 pieces of roadway on the list include refurbishing pavement, improving drainage, paving shoulders, or some combination of the three. Two county state-aid highways are scheduled for “reconstruction.” In 2029, 4.5 miles of CSAH 4 between CSAH 3 and CSAH 12 are due for major reworking. In 2033, half a mile of CSAH 18 in Janesville between CSAH 14 and North Street will be reconstructed.

 

Between this year and 2035, 12 bridges or culverts are due for replacement.

 

Other business transacted during the Sept. 15 meeting included setting the 2027 levy amount: refer to a separate article in this edition for more information about the county’s preliminary 3.5 percent proposed levy increase. 

 

Board members approved slightly more than $11,000 to construct a screening enclosure around a dumpster located within Waseca city limits and approved a set of operating guidelines for county commissioners.