For 40 years, Washington County has levied the maximum amount allowed by Iowa law to its Secondary Roads Department, but the county’s engineer says for two decades that amount hasn’t been allowed to increase.  County Engineer David Patterson says the state policy constrains what his office is able to accomplish, especially when Washington County has difficult weather several years in a row.  County auditor Bill Fredrick says similar limits exist on other projects, including its mental health fund, and recognizes the frustration it creates.  He says it and other Iowa laws are designed with good intentions to let taxpayers know exactly where their money is going.