In addition to all other authority now vested in the Geneva County Commission, the commission shall be authorized to set the necessary policies and priorities for the construction, maintenance, and repair of all public roads, county highways, bridges, ferries, and public facilities within the county, to insure a safe and adequate road system, upon a resolution duly passed and a public hearing thereon. It shall be the further duty of each associate member of the commission to inspect the roads of his or her district from time to time, and hear the suggestions and complaints of the citizens, and report the same to the commission with his or her recommendations; to advise with the county engineer concerning the problems of his or her district, particularly; and to assist in securing rights-of-way, and assist in public service generally. It shall be the duty of the county engineer to provide the necessary equipment and personnel to respond to any request of an emergency nature made by an associate member of the commission or any citizen in the absence of a commissioner wherever and whenever an emergency shall arise.