When it comes to a possible $1.5 million total road improvement project near 135th Street and 140th Street, indications are that property owners and the county could split the costs, interest free, for 10 years.  The issue of improvements, including paving and possible high-quality chip and seal surfacing, was discussed at Tuesday’s Washington County Supervisors meeting, which also included all costs assessed to the property owners, a variation for the county covering grading cost, and the creation of Secondary Road Assessment Districts to create a “partnership” between the owners and the county.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius told the board that a total of 133 properties are involved, most within subdivisions, especially the three-part Timberline subdivision owned by developer Todd Hahn.  In a work session last week, Thorius told the board it was likely that Hahn would pay a sizable portion of costs if the Secondary Road Assessment agreement was made, since he is the owner of many of the lots.

All of the road area under consideration is south of Riverside.  In addition to Timberline, it includes St. Anne’s and Stone Ridge Estates and the planned third extension of Timberline.

Thorius, stressing that the figures were estimates, noted that the road improvements without county funding would cost a property owner $8,646 over 10 years; co-pay with the county covering grading costs would be $7,819; and the more or less even split would cost the property owner $4,500.  Key in the discussion is that it be interest free for that decade.

The county has reached road improvement agreements with property owners before, including near Kalona and with Premier Ag Supplies near Brighton.  In the latter case, the state Economic Development Department awarded a $250,000 grant because the project also involved expansion of the ag business and creation of 20 new jobs.  Thorius explained that the Secondary Road does not have the funds now to do the work, and that the assessment districts, which would allow funding through 10-year certificates, would allow all the work to be done more or less at once.  He added that in conversation with the homeowner’s association, he was told that the 50-50 split with no interest over 10 years was favored by the owners.

However, creation of the districts and the subsequent agreements require a petition signed by at least 50 percent of the homeowners be submitted to the supervisors.

The board briefly discussed possible alternatives to paving, including an improved surfacing that Thorius referred to as “chip and seal on steroids.”   He also stressed that when it comes to proper roads, “it all boils down to the base.”  

He also explained that once the improvements are made, all road maintenance and repairs become the responsibility of the county.

Currently, the project would involve both paved segments and chip and seal gravel surfaces.

The board agreed it would review the figures and options and possibly have another work session. Chairman Richard Young said it may be on next week’s agenda.