Montgomery County commissioners are moving forward with plans for a road bond referendum on the May 3 ballot. Discussions highlighted differing views on using consultants to shape the bond package.
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Montgomery County commissioners are preparing to place a road bond referendum on the May 3 ballot, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray advocating quick action. "We need to stop kicking the can down the road," Gray said at Tuesday's conference, highlighting the need to tackle mobility and road infrastructure issues.
The commissioners debated employing LJA Engineering to help create the bond package. The firm's proposal for the first phase, capped at $250,000, elicited mixed comments. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley expressed doubt, saying, "I don't see a lot of reason to have an engineering firm tell me what to do with a bond issue."
Similarly, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, citing the county's successful $280 million bond in 2015, stated, "I just don't think this is the type of help we need from LJA."
Despite these qualms, Gray emphasized the importance of allowing voters to decide on road improvements, citing the delay imposed by the presidential election. Finally, the commissioners agreed 4-1 to postpone a decision on LJA's contract until December 17, with Gray dissenting.
If approved, the bond would address Montgomery County's primary mobility concerns, with particular projects to be chosen in the following weeks.
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