Commission approves crane basket and grader repairs; Worsham Street bridge work scheduled for 2026

The Geary County Commission on Oct. 20 approved several public works items, including a purchase and a machinery repair, and received a project update on a bridge rehabilitation scheduled for 2026.

Public Works Administrator Jeremy Myers requested commission approval to buy a basket attachment for the shop truck crane, which can be used for trimming trees, changing outdoor light bulbs, sealing exterior building elements and removing large snow drifts. The quote is $14,082 and the purchase will come from the public works capital outlay line. The commission moved, seconded and approved the purchase; Myers said the capital outlay account will retain approximately $3,860.85 after the purchase.

Myers also reported a repair to a Caterpillar 12H motor grader (failure of the transmission ECU) and presented Foley's quote for $11,014.87 to restore shifting functionality. The commission moved and seconded to approve the repair; members said the expense will be paid from the shop contractual line.

Public works updated the commission on Worsham Street (Morrison Street) bridge rehabilitation: construction is planned for 2026 and will include replacement of millings/approach elements, expansion joints, surge slabs, replacement and resetting of rocker bearings at abutments, replacement of approximately 20 feet of bridge deck at abutments, and environmental protections during work. The commission also heard that snow-removal bids for the 2025–26 winter season were distributed and will be opened Nov. 3; six bid packages were sent.

The motions for the equipment purchase and grader repair passed by voice vote; transcripts record “aye” responses but no roll-call tallies.