County signs $19,000 utility‑relocation agreement to keep Sixtieth and Grand bridge project on schedule

Bourbon County's public‑works staff told commissioners on Feb. 24 that the Sixtieth and Grand bridge replacement project is moving toward an April bid letting and requires relocation of a local electric line owned by Hartland Electric.

Public Works Director reported Hartland Electric submitted a $19,000 price to relocate poles and conduct the utility move; staff said the expense is the county's responsibility but is included in the project's utility‑relocation budget tied to the state grant. Commissioners voted to authorize the chairman to sign the relocation agreement so the county can proceed with the bid letting schedule.

Why it matters: Relocating utilities is a prerequisite for the project's bid letting. Staff said the county has budgeted funds for the relocation and that moving now will avoid delaying the April bid schedule tied to state bridge grant funds.

Details from the meeting

- Public Works said engineers negotiated the Hartland quote down from earlier, higher estimates and that the county will handle additional minor work such as tree removal to reduce overall cost.

- Commissioners asked for confirmation that only the chairman's signature was required; staff said the chairman's signature would initiate the relocation and the clerk would file paperwork. The commission approved the signature and directed staff to proceed.

Next steps: The chairman will sign the relocation agreement and staff will coordinate pole work with Hartland Electric so the utility relocation is complete before April bid letting.