The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) will present its proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget during a public hearing Thursday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. The hearing will be conducted virtually via conference call.
The public is invited to virtually attend the hearing and offer input on the proposed budget. Anyone interested can listen to the hearing and offer comments by calling 810-337-8118. They should then enter conference ID number 685 175 899# (must include the # sign).
Individuals wishing to comment during the “public comments” section of the hearing, should first submit a completed “Request to Speak” form. The form is available in the “Helpful Links” section of the RCOC Website (www.rcocweb.org) at the bottom of the home page of the site and on the Board meeting agendas page on the site.
The proposed $161 million budget represents a slight decrease of about $1 million compared to the $162 million 2020 budget adopted in September of last year. The 2021 proposed budget decreased primarily due to an anticipated decrease in state road funding.
RCOC anticipates receiving approximately $102.4 million in state road funding in fiscal year 2021, compared to just over $111 million received in the current year. State road funding is derived primarily from state-collected fuel taxes, vehicle-registration fees and state General Fund dollars.
The remaining revenue making up the budget comes from local community contributions ($18 million) federal funds ($20.8 million), the contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to maintain state highways in the county ($10.5 million), state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants ($3.6 million) and federal funds for traffic signals ($3 million).
The state dollars continue to represent RCOC’s largest source of funding and its main funding source for operations. The anticipated drop in state funding is the result of the impact of coronavirus on state revenues, particularly vehicle-registration fees and fuel taxes, which are the two largest sources of state road funding.
The TEDF and federal funds are awarded on a project-by-project basis, and the amount RCOC receives from each source fluctuates from year to year.
The proposed 2021 budget includes nearly $35.6 million in annual contributions toward road-improvement projects planned to be under construction in 2021 (this is not the total cost for these projects -- some costs were included in the current year’s budget or will be included in the 2022 budget where projects are carried over from last year or expected to be carried over into 2022); $32.4 million for road maintenance efforts such as pothole patching, gravel road grading and salting and plowing in the winter; and $15.4 million for maintaining traffic signs, signals, pavement markings and guardrails among other activities.
The remainder of the budget is dedicated to operating expenses including customer services, vehicle maintenance, staff wages, buildings and grounds and administration.
RCOC’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Adoption of the budget is expected to take place at the regular RCOC Board meeting on Sept. 24.
“The state of the Road Commission remains strong,” reports RCOC Board Chairman Greg Jamian. “However, we continue to feel the impact of the coronavirus, and the resulting economic downturn, on our budget,” Jamian added. “We have already reduced the proposed budget by $11 million in response to anticipated reductions in revenue, and it’s possible we may have to make additional cuts during 2021.”
RCOC Vice Chairman Ron Fowkes concurred. “We have always operated in a fiscally conservative manor,” he explained. “The economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus caught everyone by surprise. There is nothing we could have done differently to better prepare for this,” he added. “I am very thankful that we were in good financial shape when the pandemic arrived.”
Board Member Andrea LaLonde added the Board remains concerned about the portion of state road funding that comes from the state General Fund and is controlled by the Legislature, which requires that the Legislature annually commit substantial state General Fund dollars to roads. “We recognize that the state budget is under great strain due to the pandemic, but we implore the Legislature to live up to its commitment to appropriate $600 million yearly from the General Fund toward roads. Without our share of those dollars, we will face some tough financial decisions,” she noted.
Managing Director Dennis Kolar noted the proposed budget also demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to maintaining culverts and bridges. “While these structures are not always obvious to motorists, their condition nationwide continues to be a concern, and we are committed to devoting as much available resources as possible to keeping them safe and well maintained,” Kolar said. “That is again reflected in this budget.”
During the public hearing, RCOC Deputy Managing Director/County Highway Engineer Gary Piotrowicz will provide an overview of the proposed 2021 Road Improvement Program (RIP) which includes next year’s road-construction projects. Among the planned projects are:
Reconstruct 12 Mile Road, Lahser to Evergreen in Southfield
Major resurfacing of Walton Blvd, Dixie Highway to Sashabaw Road in Waterford Twp.
Major resurfacing of Adams Road, Long Lake to Square Lake on the Troy/Bloomfield Twp. border
Major resurfacing of Cranbrook Road, 14 Mile to Maple on the Birmingham/Bloomfield Twp. border
Pave the gravel section of Currie Road from 9 Mile Road to 10 Mile Road in Lyon Twp.
A complete list of projects expected to be constructed in 2021 is attached. Projects are typically selected based on a detailed, computerized road-assessment program combined with engineers’ analysis and a review of safety data. The decisions are often made years before construction begins because of funding requirements.
“RCOC continues to improve the safety and condition of our roads throughout Oakland County,” Managing Director Dennis Kolar said. “We know that many roads still need improvement and appreciate the patience of our citizens and businesses as we continue to work through a very long needs list.”
The proposed budget is posted on the RCOC Website, www.rcocweb.org (click on the “Financials” button on the home page, then select “Budget Summary” and click on “Proposed 2020-21 Budget”).
Editor’s Note: The list of anticipated projects to be constructed in 2021 and a summary of proposed revenues and expenses are attached.
