Lincoln County weed board approves routine budget, outlines spraying plans and elects officers

The Lincoln County Noxious Weed Board approved its agenda and accepted routine reports Tuesday, then spent most of the meeting reviewing chemical-purchase timing, township reimbursement rates, equipment needs and alternative spraying methods before electing new officers.

The board’s discussion centered on operational details that affect township reimbursements and field work this year, including when to buy herbicide, how township spraying is charged and whether drone or goat grazing could supplement conventional spraying.

Terry, a staff member who led the budget and spray updates, told the board the county usually buys all herbicide in November and December for the following year and that, "I have all the chemical I need for the year because we always buy November, December, we buy all the chemical for the following year." He said tariffs and international supply issues could raise prices in the fall but that the county had purchased enough material for the current season.

Terry said the county sometimes uses the state bid for chemicals but keeps relationships with two private suppliers for information and service. "We could use state bid... but I like to stay engaged with those 2 companies," he said.

On billing for township spraying, Terry said townships are charged for chemical, equipment and labor and that township calls typically reimburse the county. He listed the townships that commonly request spraying as Dela Pree, Grant, Lincoln, Highland and Eden, and said reimbursement combines chemical cost, a truck/equipment charge and labor. He gave approximate field rates as examples: about $1.25 per mile for the big truck and $0.50–$1.00 for pickups and small vehicles, plus whichever labor rate applies to the staff member doing the work.

On equipment, staff said there were no planned major purchases this year but that a trailer trade with the highway department was likely: rather than buying a new trailer, county crews expect to take a highway-department trailer in trade to support ranger vehicles. "It doesn't do no good to go out and spend $10 on a trailer when I can trade with them and they go buy another one," Terry said.

The board also discussed operational strategy after recent flooding. Terry said some ditches remain full of corn stalks and other debris and that his plan is to "get across everything as fast as I can, then go back and see what turns bad," noting some areas may require follow-up spot work.

Board members asked about alternative approaches raised by the public. One resident suggested adding goats; on that idea Terry asked rhetorically how many goats and shepherds it would take to manage hundreds of miles of ditches. The board also heard about drone spraying used elsewhere; Terry said drones can reach steep banks and mapped CRP ground but warned of drift and "wash" that can make drone spraying unsuitable near crops. "They're good for spots like that... they get to spots that you can't get to," he said of drones, but added that drone spraying can cause skips and escapes that require repeated treatment.

The board closed operational business by noting it will prepare more precise township bid estimates and bring equipment cost figures to a future meeting. Rhiannon, an administrative staff member, was asked to confirm the next meeting date; the board tentatively set June 17 for the next meeting and asked Rhiannon to verify availability and send notice.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the meeting agenda; accepted the minutes; accepted the budget report as presented; accepted the equipment report as presented; accepted the spring spray report as presented; voted to elect Roger as chair, Randy as vice chair and Ralph as secretary; and approved adjournment. Each motion was put to voice vote and the chair announced the motions passed.