Community Impact reports commissioners in Montgomery County began implementing how to use the first allocation of $128 million in funding. The funding comes from the $480 million road bond approved by voters in May. Budget Officer Amanda Carter passed along during a July 29th meeting that the funds were wired to the county last week.
Rather than each precinct being given a set amount, commissioners will now use funds as needed across all precincts. Passed by a 4 to 1 vote, Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler voted against it. He cited unfairness to voters.
Wheeler said, “I think you’re telling certain voters in certain areas that their areas are not as important, and I think it’s the wrong move.”
Commissioners adopted a “milestone encumbrance” method. Carter said, the method places the $128 million in a general fund, with allocations implemented as each project arrives at a contractual milestone, like design, construction or engineering.
The funds will be monitored, according to Carter, and presented monthly to commissioners.
Rather than receive a fixed $32 million, each commissioner can access funding as projects are ready. Carter said this ensures funding goes where projects are shovel-ready and prevents delays.
Once around 80% of the current $128 million is spent, County Auditor Rakesh Pandey said a second bond issuance will be considered.
Wheeler raised concerns, during the discussion, regarding how this method could delay funding for some precincts if others move faster. Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray, however, said to avoid repeating past delays, like those seen after the 2015 bond, he emphasized the need to start construction.
