Johnson County approves $2M contract with USIC for utility locating services

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners convened on April 10, 2025, for an agenda review session focused on several key items, including a significant proposal for utility locating services.

The meeting began with a request for proposal (RFP) number 2024-046, which seeks to authorize a contract with USIC Locating Services LLC. This contract would provide utility locating services within the consolidated main sewer district at a cost not to exceed $2,000,000 for a one-year term, with the option to renew annually for up to four additional years.

Susan Pekarek from the Wastewater Department presented the proposal, noting that funding for this contract is already included in the department's operating budget, thus requiring no additional funding requests. Pekarek highlighted that Johnson County Wastewater has been a member of the Kansas One Call system since February 2002, initially as a voluntary member and later mandated by legislative updates to the Underground Prevention Act in February 2009.

The discussion emphasized the importance of utility locating services in maintaining the integrity of the county's wastewater infrastructure and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

The meeting concluded with a clear understanding of the proposal's implications for the county's operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, setting the stage for further discussions and potential approval in upcoming sessions.