Folks, an unpleasant update on county roads. Over the past couple of weeks, due to the world oil situation, availability of product for asphalting, chip and sealing and similar items for road maintenance are in short supply. A representative of the industry addressed a meeting of the Arkansas County Judges in Little Rock on July 24th to update on the national situation. Since that meeting, I have been informed that Carroll County will only have available about 40 percent of needed product for the year 2008.

What this means currently is original plans concerning road upkeep will require reconsideration in the action plan on the road system this year. The decisions taken will not be dictated only from a financial approach; but, more so, availability of product. I am seeking alternative product and procedures to maintain and improve the roads of our county; however, I will not waste the money of Carroll County by just applying some cheap "it will do until after election" ploy. I will continue to manage the maintenance of our roads with the principle of doing it correctly in the best interest of the taxpayers.

Please be attentive to the news media over the next week or so for continued information and updates as the situation progresses. Hopefully, there will be an improvement in availability of product with oil prices falling…however, improvement is not expected to occur this year as once cold weather arrives application of these materials will have expired for the year.

Oil prices are, as reported in Little Rock, the reason for this shortfall in material. I know this is not what anyone wished to be informed of; but, this is an update of the current status with facts furnished in Little Rock from the supply industry. Again, please, to stay informed, monitor our local news media.