County Commission | The Magazine August 2017 | Page 44

A
We all should ask ourselves
three questions. The first
question is: At what level of service
should a given transportation
network be maintained? The next
question should be: Is that network
being maintained in the most efficient
manner possible?
If the second question is answered
in some form of “yes,” then the last
question should be: Does the current
tax rate provide a consistent and
stable funding source that will allow
for a reasonable level of service at the
lowest possible cost?
Stopgap spending is the result of
not providing a consistent and
stable funding source. Stopgap
spending only occurs when
the system is in a totally failed
condition, and it is the absolute
worst and most expensive method
of maintaining anything. To make
matters worse, stopgap spending
usually comes in the form of
borrowed money that is paid back
over years that usually exceed the
life of the improvement. I realize
that some may see our efforts thus
far as unsuccessful, but I believe we
have made notable improvements
and positive steps toward eventual
success. As we strive we are learning
more about the collective answers
to the foregoing questions from
those we serve. As we move forward
in our quest, I believe the answers
to these questions are becoming
and will continue to become self-
evident. It is our job to accept the
will of the people we serve and to
provide, in a reasonable manner,
that system which is demanded.
Q
What are some other
major issues that are
on the horizon for county
engineers?
A
Future engineers may have
to deal with more intense
localized weather events that
may result in huge losses that are
not widespread enough to allow
for federal or state emergency
funds (FEMA, ER, etc.), potable
water shortages, changing energy
sources, technology gaps in rural
counties (broadband, smart grids,
etc.), growing liability issues and a
declining trained workforce.
Q
With self-driving cars
moving from science
fiction to reality, what does
that mean for local
transportation systems?
A
Not a whole lot in Franklin
County! A movement in
that direction, in my opinion, will
be another step in the destruction
of rural America as we know it.
The lack of adequate funding and
Proven results for
companies big and small
Your time is valuable. So is your equipment.
Get the most from both with the experts at
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. Every year we help tens
of thousands of people like you market and sell
their equipment for its true global market value.
▸ Time-saving, all-inclusive service
▸ 50+ years of experience selling equipment
▸ Flexible consignment options
▸ Any amount of equipment accepted
▸ Competitive bidding, on site and online
▸ Sale and payment dates you can count on
Count on the
auction experts
44 | COUNTY COMMISSION
Branding ad Alabama County Commissioners Association (March) 7.5x4.8 01049.indd 1
Sell your equipment with the experts.
Call us today:
Blair Finstad | 601.842.3874
Southern Alabama/Mississippi
Jody Lenderman | 205.837.9033
Northern Alabama
Learn more at rbauction.com/sell
2017-02-28 1:42 PM