Snow removal, tree services and truck drivers could be reduced at Jackson County Road Commission

JACKSON, MI The Jackson County Road Commission might have a better chance of surviving if cuts in certain areas can be made.

As the county continues the process of deciding whether to dissolve the entity and take over administrative duties, county officials asked the managing director of the road commission where they could save money.

The answer was snow removal, tree removal and, reluctantly, truck drivers.

We have to become more efficient. We are all doing more with less. Drivers are taking on additional miles during snow removal, and we have to set priorities, Managing Director of the JCRC Ken Straub said.

There is also the option to cut the number of drivers the road commission has.

We dont want to, but we could, Straub said.

The road commission is also reducing staff through attrition. There are two truck drivers and one administrator who will be retiring at the end of the year.

Cutting back on tree removal services could also save the road commission money.

We know its an issue, we have been told that if the tree is not in the roadway its not a liability but we continue to cut them. We are looking at possibly contracting for tree work so they dont cause a hazard, Straub said.

The road commission does contract out tree removal services for large trees.

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Snow removal, tree services and truck drivers could be reduced at Jackson County Road Commission