Montgomery County Council members received an update on the Purple Heart extension project from County Administrator Tom Klein during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Crews will be building curbs this week and the community can expect a ribbon cutting in a few weeks.
Klein said although the road appears to be open, it is not, and traffic is not allowed on the new road that travels from U.S. 231 South to Ladoga Road.
Montgomery County Highway Director Jake Lough reported that county financial advisor Jeff Peters has concluded the highway department should receive an additional $800,000 from property taxes in 2025. It also is estimated the pending increase in the wheel tax will add an additional $300,000 per year.
Councilman Steve Loy started a discussion on funding the county’s annual $125,000 contribution to the Montgomery County Early Learning Center. Loy wants the council to set aside enough funds to cover the donation for the next four years. The funds will be from the estimated $2 million the county is predicted to make in earned interest in 2025. Loy wants to take $500,000 from the earned interest.
“I think if we use a part of the interest income and set it aside, we would know the money for the next four years is there,” Loy said. “We would not have to worry about where it is coming from.”
No council member spoke against Loy’s idea, but the item was tabled until more information could be obtained.
Loy said he considered investing in the Early Learning Center is a part of the county’s infrastructure.
In other business, Teresa Sutherlin was re-appointed to the Darlington Library Board.
The next council meeting is 9 a.m. Dec. 10.
