The commissioners will now use funds as needed across all precincts, rather than each precinct being allocated a set amount. The motion passed 4-1, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler voting against, citing unfairness to voters.
“I think that you're telling certain voters in certain areas that their areas are not as important, and I think it's the wrong move,” Wheeler said.
What happened
Instead of dividing the initial $128 million evenly across the four precincts, commissioners adopted a “milestone encumbrance” method. This approach places the full $128 million in a general fund, with allocations made as each project reaches contractual milestones, such as design, engineering or construction, Carter said.
Carter said the use of the funds will be monitored and presented to the commissioners monthly.
“We can track all of that. ... I'll give you a monthly report so that you can see in the event that some commissioners don't have projects for that first phase ... they'll get more of the allocation on the second or third or fourth,” Carter said.
Each commissioner can access funding as projects are ready, rather than receive a fixed $32 million up front. Carter said this approach prevents delays and ensures funding goes where projects are shovel-ready.
Also of note
County Auditor Rakesh Pandey said a second bond issuance will be considered once approximately 80% of the current $128 million is spent.
During the discussion, Wheeler raised concerns about how this method could delay funding for some precincts if others move faster. However, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray emphasized the need to begin construction and avoid repeating past delays, such as those seen after the 2015 bond.
"My number one priority as county commissioner for Precinct 4 is to get this money spent and on the ground and roads widened and improved for the taxpayers of Montgomery County to drive on and improve mobility," Gray said.
