Linn County officials request QuickCom presentation on $35K engineering project concerns

The Linn County Kansas government meeting held on March 17, 2025, focused on discussions regarding a contract with QuickCom for engineering services related to a utility installation project. The meeting began with a review of the contract proposal, which included work on 12 independent sites, mapping, and report preparation, totaling $35,600.

Concerns were raised about the necessity of hiring an engineering company for this project, with some members questioning the value of the expenditure given the project's overall budget of approximately $540,000. A discussion ensued regarding the need for tracer wires and the potential for excavation at each site to ensure accurate utility mapping.

Members expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the engineering firm, suggesting that QuickCom should provide proof of their work and the number of customers served by the project. There was a consensus that QuickCom should be invited to present their findings and clarify their compliance with the contract terms.

A proposal was made to draft a letter inviting QuickCom to the next meeting, with specific questions regarding project statistics and community impact included. The group agreed to review the draft letter before it was sent to ensure all concerns were addressed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to reach out to QuickCom for further clarification and to prepare the necessary documentation for their upcoming presentation. The discussions highlighted ongoing concerns about project management and accountability in public contracts.