City of Stuart officials met with the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors Thursday to ask for assistance on an upcoming infrastructure project.

City Administrator Ash Ashour, Engineer Forrest Aldrich and Councilors Neal Crawford and Bryan Belden presented to the Supervisors a two-tiered proposal linked to the expansion and reconstruction of the intersection at Front and Division streets. Aldrich reports that one out of every five vehicles that passes east through the intersection is a large truck, which has led to the accelerated deterioration of that intersection.

The City says most importantly they want to incur $2.6 million worth of debt against the County’s debt limit, rather than their own. The County’s current debt capacity is approximately $71.8 million. Stuart officials see it beneficial to use the County’s debt capacity because they believe they could get a better rate and they want to leave their remaining debt capacity open for emergency situations.The City would plan to pay off the balance in ten years or less.

The second part of the City’s request was asking for $350,000 in contribution to the project, including the installation of 12-foot turning lanes. Councilor Neal Crawford stated that the City has recently made major investments to improve the portion of the city in Guthrie County, including the renovation of numerous downtown facades. Crawford believes by partnering with the county on the project, it could further benefit both entities.

Supervisor Everett Grasty questioned why Stuart officials didn’t plan better financially for this infrastructure improvement. He also pointed out that if the city has financial troubles over the next decade, then the County is liable for the $2.6 million of debt on their books.

Chairman Tom Rutledge told the Stuart representatives that he hopes the Board can have a decision to them by the end of the year.