Repairing crumbling roads

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners was asked to consider allocating funds to help townships repair crumbling roads.

Del Martin, a Fabius Township resident, urged the five-member panel last week to dedicate money from its delinquent-tax fund and spread the wealth to all 16 townships in the county.

Martin said a modest amount of even $50,000 to each township would cost $800,000, less than 10 percent of the money the county has in its delinquent-tax fund, he said.

Martin spoke during the public comment portion, a format in which commissioners typically do not respond other than to acknowledge a speaker.

Martin is the second person to address commissioners about the condition of county roads. Twice in the past six months, Florence Township Supervisor Gordon Evilsizor urged commissioners to consider allocations to repair or rebuild Constantine Road.