Commission approves fall weed-control chemical purchases, adds water-softening product

At its Aug. 25, 2025 meeting, the County Commission approved purchase awards for the 2025 fall weed-control chemicals and an added water-softening agent after a bid presentation by department director Mike Bridal.

Bridal presented three bids: Van Dees Supply for Tordon 22K (about 360 gallons) and related 30-gallon drums, Sims Fertilizer and Chemical for a generic 2,4‑D (180 gallons) at $5,760, and Nutrient Solutions for a water-softening product, Choice Trio, at $504 for 30 gallons. Bridal said he checked with the local utility and noted a water hardness reading of about 380 parts per million, and he recommended adding the softener to address that hardness.

A commissioner moved to approve the bids “total not to exceed $5,760 with Sims fertilizer and chemical, a total not to exceed $504 from Nutrient Solutions, and a total not to exceed $16,600.50 from Van Dees Supply Company.” Another commissioner seconded the motion, and the commission approved it by voice vote.

The approved vendors and totals were recorded in the meeting materials. No further conditions or contingencies were stated during the motion; the motion carried by voice vote and no roll-call tally was given in the record.

Commissioners discussed rising prices since last year on some products and noted that the Tordon brand was a name-brand bid from Van Dees while other products were generics. The department director said Johnson grass tests this summer showed strong performance for the selected products.