Quorum Court approves $665,500 transfer to build county fuel island after debate over timing and oversight

The Washington County Quorum Court voted to transfer $665,500 from existing budgets to pay for construction of a new county fuel island, approving the ordinance on a roll call vote after extended discussion of procurement, operating costs and timing.

The county judge, presiding, said county staff had rebid the project to include both above-ground and below-ground tank options and that the bid closed Monday, Oct. 20. “If the road department handles, if it's below ground, the road department could handle a lot of that work, which would save the county money on the project,” the judge said during debate.

Dr. Atta, planning staff who summarized the item for the court, explained the project history to the panel: the county previously received bids for an in-ground tank and staff told the court that preliminary indications were the in-ground option could be less expensive because county crews could self-perform some work.

Supporters argued the…