Editorials

Asphalt plant turning into a good investment

TBO.com
Published: December 12, 2012

Few taxpayer investments have faced as much criticism and scrutiny over the years as the asphalt plant owned and operated by the county. From the start there were plenty of critics, and that continued for a few years. The critics are quieter now.

An audit for Highlands County commissioners by the Clerk of Courts office shows that the plant is supplying the county with inexpensive road construction material that allows taxpayers to pay less and get more work done. Plus, the asphalt is being sold to other local governments.

The plant was purchased in 2007 after then-Solid Waste Director Ken Wheeler pitched the idea to the commission. His initial plan was to save even more money using methane gas that occurs naturally from the landfill. It was found that methane alone wouldn't work so diesel was added, but it's still a big savings.

The asphalt industry didn't like the idea of a government entity taking business away from private businesses. It's a legitimate argument to make, but no one stepped in to tell the county no, so the project went forward.

An earlier audit showed a substantial shortfall but that's been erased in the years since. In fact, there's money left over, although it can't be considered profit. Money is being set aside for future maintenance, but Road and Bridge Supervisor Kyle Green said it should be years before big maintenance is required.

The asphalt plant still has its critics. Several of the commissioners said they would have voted against it had they been on the commission when it was first approved. However, none of them are complaining about it supplying inexpensive road-building materials and saving taxpayers money.

Wheeler deserves credit for pitching this idea to the county. It made sense at the time and it's turned out that the process is a positive for citizens of Highlands County.

We hope that success continues, and the good management of the plant shows that our county workers can make this happen. Let's hope the next audit, whenever that will be, shows even more success.