BUDGET DETAIL Section 3 - Forsyth County Government

Budget SummaryRoads & BridgesROADS & BRIDGES 205.3120Department Description and MissionRoads and Bridges is a division of the Forsyth County Engineering Department. The primary mission is the repair and maintenanceof existing county roads and right-of-way promptly, efficiently and economically, using well-planned activities, proper equipment,and skilled and dedicated employees. The division is committed to the safety of the motoring public and protection of Countyproperty. The Roads and Bridges Division is committed to serving the residents and visitors of the County to the best of our abilityand resources. From office personnel to the crew members in the field, our primary goal is to keep the roads of Forsyth Countysafe and drivable for all who travel upon them.Goals and ObjectivesGoal #1: Division personnel responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, such as removing roadway debrisresulting from vehicular accidents, clearing storm-related debris from roadways, snow plowing and spreading salt / sand duringice and snow events, and closing or barricading roads or travel lanes which have been determined to pose a danger to drivers.- Safety - Reduce crashes due to weather and poor pavement conditions. Minimize damage from trees to utilities,structures, and other utilities.- Mobility - Reduce traffic congestion and travel time delay during inclement weather. Re-open transportation routes asquickly as possible following a severe weather event.- Productivity - Decrease road operating and maintenance costs associated with adverse weather.Goal #2: As customer service providers, we must consider our role as an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge critical tosuccess in our profession. Most of us are entrusted with and responsible for the proper use of organizational resources.Whether we assist others or require their assistance, the quality of customer service is directly impacted by our mutualcommitment to that service. We as individuals are responsible for providing the quality of customer service that reflectsfavorably on our organizations and ourselves. Our personal goals must include reliable and timely customer service throughproactive professional behavior.- Since each of us depends extensively on the efforts of others, it is essential that everyone in the process understand thenecessity of efficient customer service and mutual cooperation to that end. Customer service, the customer, and ultimately theentire organization are affected for better or worse in direct proportion to our success or lack thereof.- Our Work Order System enables us to manage quickly and efficiently. Our system enhances our ability to recognize,review, and evaluate potential problems, all to the benefit of the customer. We have the tools to recognizeinconsistencies quickly and initiate corrective actions.- The ultimate reward for management is customer satisfaction provided by a skilled and committed workforce able tosolve problems and understand the importance of effective customer service. The responsibility of management is tofully commit to effective customer service and to instill that commitment in their subordinates. Time invested initiallyresults in time saved in the future.Goal #3: The Roads and Bridges Division is responsible for maintaining over 1300 miles of county roads. Managing the growthof weeds, brush, and low-hanging roadside tree limbs occurring in the road right-of-way will increase a motorist’s ability to seewarning signs, other traffic, pedestrians, increase sight distance and animals crossing the road.- Mowing - Mow all right-of-ways three times a year or as needed. The primary purpose of vegetative cover on roadsides is toprevent erosion of the soil. With high fuel prices and herbicides costs, we need to use our resources more efficiently than ever.Right-of-way mowing normally begins in April and continues through December weather and budgetary constraints permitting.- Herbicide Spraying - Maintain vegetation control for all guardrails, bridges and drainage structures annually. Chemicalherbicides is the most effective and least costly way to control weeds.- Tree Removal / Chipping - Perform tree trimming or pruning to make trees strong and healthy. This will increase thelongevity of trees and makes them disease free. Proper trimming tree lessens the chances of dead or broken branchesfrom falling. Fragile branches sometimes fall over electric poles or wires leading to a power outage. Trimming isimportant to give the tree a proper shape and prevent uneven spreading of branches. Continue to provide Christmas treechipping to help Forsyth County promote recycling. Continue to perform root intrusion program during the wintermonths. This project will eliminate additional work from damaged pipes, structures and fill embankments. The treeremoval prevents root intrusion, additional loads on top of storm drainage and improve the excess for maintenance.FORSYTHCOUNTY Annual Operating and Capital BudgetFiscal Year 2013251