County Weighs Loaning Speed Signs to Small Towns Amid Highway Safety Concerns
Dickinson County commissioners discussed whether to make a movable speed-monitoring sign available to small communities rather than declaring it surplus property, citing safety concerns on state highways passing through smaller towns.
A commissioner said he receives "two or three calls a day" from communities reporting fast-moving vehicles, including trucks, on their streets, describing the situation as "becoming very dangerous." He said he would rather share the sign with communities than sell it. "I would rather pay a fine than have a person killed," he said, referencing a state rule requiring signs to be placed off the roadway.
Officials noted the sign is one the county already owns and is replacing, and discussed logistical and legal questions including insurance, liability, maintenance, and whether the county or a municipality would move and manage the equipment. Options discussed included setting up a first-come, first-served rental agreement managed by cities, or giving the sign to another municipality outright, though officials noted it would still need to be formally declared surplus.
Officials indicated the county administrator and public works director would work through the details.
Want this story in print?
We'll print this story on the cover and inside of a keepsake 4-page paper, then package it and ship it right to your door.
Sign in to save 10% — paid members save 20%.
