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Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax do I pay per gallon
of gasoline?
Much of the funding for the Road
Commission is received through gas
taxes. There is a total of 47 cents of
transportation taxes per gallon on
gasoline sold within Michigan. This
amount consists of 28.6 cents for state
tax and 18.4 cents for federal tax. The
sale of gasoline is also subject to the
6% sales tax in Michigan; however, this
amount is not used for transportation
improvements. And, contrary to popular
belief, the Road Commission does not
receive funds from the property taxes
that you pay.
Why are weight restrictions
placed on county roads each spring?
When the roads thaw out from the top
down each spring, moisture is trapped on
the surface, and heavy loads would cause
the break-up of gravel and bituminous
surfaces.
Why doesn't the Road Commission
pave more gravel roads?
Our state legislature has determined
that Road Commissions can spend no more
than 10% of their transportation income
on construction so that essential
activities such as winter maintenance
and the repair of poor paved roads
cannot be neglected.
Why does it seem like Houghton
County spends so little on road
construction?
The Houghton County Road Commission has
one of the greatest challenges in the
state of Michigan.
The state of
Michigan's system of road funding
provides the least amount of dollars per
mile for most rural county road
commissions because they are the least
populated per mile when compared to the
Michigan Department of Transportation,
cities and villages and urban county
road commissions.
Our great
solitude and tremendous winter
recreational opportunities do also,
translate into great winter maintenance
activity expenses, whereas our county
road commission routinely spends 30% -
60% of our income plowing and sanding
each winter, the highest ratio in the
state of Michigan.
Why doesn't my street get plowed
right away when it snows?
The ideal snowstorm would occur each
night between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.,
so that when our plows begin to work,
they can clean up the roads to bare
pavement for travelers each day.
If we receive a heavy snow after your
normal plowing time, we try to return to
clean up but it may have to wait until
the following day if the storm is
severe.
Such things as soft
shoulders early or late in the season or
equipment breakdowns may also delay our
plowing or sanding services.
Also, very severe weather may
necessitate that the plowing or sanding
be intensified on high traffic roads,
which disrupts the normal routine.
Feel free to call our office if you
have any questions concerning our
plowing schedules.
Why does it appear that you stop
grading some gravel roads in the summer?
The most effective grading is done when
roads are dampened by rain. Grading
during very dry weather causes the road
materials to dry out, causing them to
lose their binding qualities and
creating more dust.
How do I have a speed limit
placed on my road?
Speed limits on county roads are set by
the Michigan State Police following a
traffic study, which includes a radar
survey for a particular section of road.
The speed limit to be established must
be reasonable and enforceable.
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