Makanda Township: COMMUNITY FORWARD

When I was elected Makanda Township Highway Commissioner, I promised to do better. In that pursuit, I have:

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• Mowed the roadsides three times each year

• Been prompt as possible in snow removal and salt/chip applications

• Provided transparency in the budget of the highway department by providing the public a monthly report and a report of spending at each monthly meeting

• Provided transparency in the spending of the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) monies annually, by providing an accounting of MFT funds received and MFT funds spent

• Purchased necessary equipment on behalf of the township for the efficient and legal accomplishment of the essential tasks (Note: I used my own equipment at no cost to the township for as many years as it took to accumulate the necessary funds for the highway department to purchase its own. I still use my own pickup truck at no cost to the township, including fuel, in the execution of my duties around the township.)

• Took advantage of any grants that are available through the county or IDOT for culvert installations

• Established a cooperative agreement with the Village of Makanda to create a more efficient system of road maintenance for Sheppard Lane and Poplar Camp South Road

• Took on the roadside mowing responsibilities for Pomona Township next door to help them out and to reduce the costs of roadside mowing for Makanda Township

• Purchased a 50’x100’ building to provide headquarters for the Highway Department for the purpose of:

  • Storage for township equipment, signs and signposts, culverts, and any other materials necessary for operations of the highway department in a secure manner

  • A shop for repairs and tool storage

  • Provide an office for the Highway Commissioner

  • Store rock, road patch, and salt/chips to make the operations of the highway department more time efficient and cost effective

  • Provide a place to store brush when no other site can be located

  • Provide a place to dispose of roadkill when necessary

• Most importantly, I started my election term with approximately $50 in the Road & Bridge Fund and the New Bridge Fund. At the end of the latest fiscal year, March 31, 2024, there was in excess of $315,000 in the two funds, providing the citizenry with proof of the efficiency of my way of operating the highway department.