The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday, November 14, 2025, to review resolutions, road updates, and personnel items during their regular session.
The meeting opened with approval of the agenda and minutes from the November 6 session, with one item continued to a later date.
Temporary Speed Limit on Old Highway 34
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented Resolution 33-25-20, establishing a temporary 45 mph speed limit on Old Highway 34, extending west from 400 feet west of Big Creek Bridge to the Franklin Avenue intersection. The change comes in preparation for the upcoming 235th Street Bridge replacement, which will detour traffic onto Old 34 during construction.
Hotchkiss explained the need for the adjustment, citing increased detour traffic and narrow shoulders along the route. The speed limit will remain in effect for the duration of the bridge project, expected to begin December 1, weather permitting. The resolution passed unanimously on roll call.
Road Department Updates
Hotchkiss reported that territory operators continue reshaping and grading roads ahead of winter. Mowing with a rented skid loader is complete, and plow drivers recently attended a winter maintenance operations class in Ainsworth hosted by the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP).
Crews are wrapping up late-season seeding, aiming to have ground cover in place for next spring.
Hotchkiss also provided updates on the Fremont Avenue culvert project, noting that the contract has been finalized and signed. Scheduling discussions with the contractor will follow.
Next week, Seneca Companies will begin replacing the county’s fuel system at the road department facility. The upgrade involves removing old tanks and installing a new split tank and software system. The project is expected to take one week, during which county vehicles will need to find alternative fueling options.
Road Funding Transfer
Supervisors approved Resolution 33-2025, authorizing a $500,000 transfer from the Community Betterment Fund to the Secondary Road Fund. The transfer, discussed during the county’s budget process earlier this year, utilizes Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenue to support road and bridge projects—including the Fremont Avenue culvert replacement.
Hotchkiss clarified that these transfers occur periodically depending on fund balances and project timing, and that LOST dollars have long been used to assist with local road improvements, gravel work, and other infrastructure needs.
Address Change Approved
The supervisors approved Resolution 34-2025, changing the name of Benton Avenue to Benton Road north of Henry-Washington Street to the Washington County line in Jefferson Township. The change follows a recommendation from the E911 Board to resolve addressing confusion for emergency responders.
Supervisors also approved a snow removal contract with M&B Lawn Care. The company submitted the lower bid, charging around $850 per occurrence for plowing and $1,802, when salt treatment is included. JBC Construction had submitted the higher bid of $1,495 for plowing.
The next meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 instead of the normal Thursday meeting.