Concern over highway department plans

CALUMET COUNTY - The possibility of a new building for one local highway department is causing some controversy. Calumet County is considering a new facility. However, some people don't think it's necessary.

While you might not look twice at the Calumet County Highway Department, it has been getting a lot of attention.

"Even though it wasn't the ultimate vote as to whether or not to build the highway shop, I think everybody looked at it as really...why take this step if we're not ultimately going to build the building," explained Calumet County supervisor Brian Leonhardt.

This summer, the Calumet County Board passed a resolution, authorizing $350,000 to be spend on a design study for a new department, some question the move.

"I have heard no one in favor of it," said Tom Laughrin, Calumet County supervisor. "I have talked to several members that work for the highway department that are opposed to this new facility.

"We don't want to waste money but at the same time I think we can make a good efficient use of taxpayer dollars," said Gary Lemke.

Lemke lives in Calumet County, and organized a Wednesday night meeting so opponents of the project can analyze their options.

The Calumet County administrator did not want to do an on-camera interview without the highway commissioner, who was not available for this story. The administrator referred FOX 11 to the county website, which says the current facilities present safety and accessibility challenges, and are poorly insulated.

"The overall picture is the spending of eight to ten to twelve million dollars on a new facility where I believe we can add on at the present location for a cost of two and a half million dollars. I think that option should be open," said Laughrin.

Another supervisor says the facility has been studied twice in the last 10 years, and both studies show remodeling won't work.

"Ultimately I did end up voting in favor of it I think because a no vote at that time would have meant that the whole project would have been killed and i'm not sure i'm ready to kill the entire project at this time. I think it should keep moving forward," said Leonhardt.

The potential new highway facility is not a done deal, it is in the very beginning planning stages. The Calumet County Board of Supervisors meets again later this month, and various members of the public plan to weigh in at the meeting.