Pierce County sets 2026 machine hire rates and appoints highway superintendent

Pierce County commissioners approved machine hire rates for 2026 and placed two stipulations on the motion: adjustments may be made later depending on fuel costs, and county machine work will be performed only on small jobs when the county is already on site and with a minimum one-hour charge. Approved rates included $250 per hour for backhoe/excavator with operator, $175 per hour for motor grader with operator, $250 per hour for loader with operator, $200 per hour for scraper with operator, $150 per hour for a 10-yard dump truck with operator, and $150 per mile for mowing roadway ditches under statute SS 39-1811.