2024 Financial Report: Road and Bridge Projects Funded by Sales Tax

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Recently Logan County Engineer, Scott Coleman, reported that the one-half percent sales tax designated for roads, bridges, and Sheriff operations generated a total of $3,946,626.77 in 2024.

These funds were allocated to various areas including:

  • 25% for the County Engineer ($986,656.66)
  • 25% for the County Sheriff ($986,656.66)
  • 20% for Townships ($789,325.38)
  • 20% for Municipalities ($789,325.38)
  • 10% for Land Use and Economic Development ($394,662.69)

This sales tax revenue reflected an increase of 1.81% compared to 2023.

Coleman said the combination of sales tax revenue and other funding sources, such as motor vehicle fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and federal and state grants, allowed the county to complete several construction projects in 2024.

Projects funded by these revenues included:

  • County Road Resurfacing: $1,711,252.44
  • Rejuvenating Sealer: $202,256.72
  • County Federal Aid Resurfacing: $1,837,739.97
  • Federal Aid CR 18 Profile Improvement: $167,228.25
  • Bridge 209-0.18 Replacement: $236,043.55 (funded by federal aid, state disaster relief, and local funds)
  • Township Resurfacing: $531,474.21
  • Township Chip-Sealing: $447,274.72 (funded by sales tax and township funds)
  • Federal Aid Pavement Markings: $184,425.84
  • County Road Chip Sealing and Fog Sealing: $699,641.25

Coleman noted that these projects would not have been possible without the support of the sales tax for roads and bridges, which continues to play a critical role in maintaining and improving the county’s infrastructure.

Additionally, the new motor vehicle fuel user fee, implemented in July 2019, continues to provide significant revenue.

In 2024, the county received $3,871,744.51 from motor fuel taxes—an increase of about $1.4 million since 2018.

Vehicle registration fees, which include a $200 fee for electric vehicles and a $100 fee for hybrid vehicles, contributed $1,769,656.77 in 2024.

On a legislative note, Coleman thanked the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and President Biden for passing and signing the Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) into law on January 5, 2025.

This act eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits for individuals who receive public pensions from non-Social Security-covered work, ensuring retirees receive the full benefits they have earned.

However, Coleman also expressed disappointment that the state legislature did not approve pay adjustments for county and township elected officials in 2024.

Since 1993, the pay for county elected officials has lagged behind the consumer price index by approximately 36%.

Coleman stressed the importance of advocating for fair and equitable wages to help retain and attract capable individuals for public service positions.

In conclusion, while 2024 saw significant advancements in infrastructure and retirement benefits, Coleman emphasized that continued support for the sales tax, as well as further legislative action for local officials’ pay, are crucial to the county’s ongoing success and the well-being of its residents.