County leaders, public works staff warn of staffing shortfalls that could delay roadwork and paving

Public works employees and a stream of public comments at the July 21 Bourbon County Commission meeting flagged a staffing shortfall that county staff and commissioners said could reduce the county's capacity to complete scheduled paving, chip sealing and maintenance this season.

"We have a pay issue," said Clay Campbell, a public works employee who works part time for the department. Campbell told the commission that several crew members had left and that remaining employees were concerned about pay, benefits and the loss of previously provided small perks such as occasional free dump access. "The exit door is not done swinging," Campbell said.

Commissioners and public works leadership confirmed departures. Public works director Eric Bailey (present at the meeting) told commissioners that the county's asphalt crew was down staff and that, without backfill, the county may not be able to complete all planned asphalt work this year. Bailey described an on‑the‑ground assessment and said a distributor truck had been in for repair but was expected to return within days; he also noted gap funding and scheduling constraints that affect where and how the county places aggregate chips and runs chip‑seal operations.

Commissioner discussion focused on short‑term mitigation: asking current crews to work overtime where budgets permit, staging chips at a southern site (Bedco property) if commissioners approve storage there, and prioritizing safety and mission‑critical roadwork. "If we have the budget because we've lost people, can we increase their hours?" one commissioner asked. County staff said overtime could be used if employees agree and if the budget supports it; the sheriff and county finance staff indicated they would review options.

Public works safety audit: The commission also heard a presentation from an external safety consultant, Dom Bennett, who offered a two‑day safety audit for public works at an estimated $1,500–$2,000. Bennett's scope includes reviewing incident reports, interviewing staff and producing a written report of evidence‑based recommendations. Commissioners asked staff to check whether the county's workers' compensation carrier (K‑WORX/KWORX) could provide similar audit services at lower or no cost. The county will follow up and report back at the next meeting.

Why it matters: Roads, bridges and routine maintenance are time‑sensitive operations that depend on seasonal windows and on crew availability. A reduced workforce can delay paving, prolong hazardous road conditions and increase long‑term repair costs.

Next steps: Commissioners authorized staff to pursue short‑term overtime where budgets and employees allow, to consult the county's insurance/work‑comp carrier about audit options, and to consider chip storage logistics. The commission also scheduled discussion of safety‑audit options for the next meeting. No formal policy change or new recurring budget was approved at the July 21 meeting.

This account relies on direct statements from employees and county officials recorded in the meeting transcript.