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Commissioners approve $80,000 gravel purchase as highway superintendent post remains open
Summary
Buffalo County commissioners approved buying a 10,000-ton gravel pile at $8 per ton and approved surplusing an old mower; the board also discussed a $66,000 tractor payment, staggered CDs, a possible road levy and an ongoing search for a highway superintendent.
Buffalo County commissioners voted to buy a 10,000-ton pile of gravel at $8 per ton after staff recommended the purchase and noted the material meets project specifications.
The nut graf: The board approved the purchase after hearing that the gravel is priced at $8 per ton and can remain on-site until the county needs it; the item is intended to support road and bridge work that county officials said is a major ongoing expense.
County road staff told commissioners the gravel at West Creek is priced at $8 a ton and a 10,000-ton pile is available for purchase. Commissioners discussed the county’s cash balances, existing certificates of deposit (CDs) and the possibility of using reserve funds or cashing a CD if needed to cover the purchase. One commissioner estimated the purchase total at about $80,000.
During discussion the board also reviewed staffing: a candidate briefly accepted a highway superintendent post but then withdrew; another candidate is considering applying but cannot yet commit because of a commercial driver’s license requirement that one applicant lacked. Staff said the county has a backup plan for spraying and roadside work and is pursuing candidates who can obtain required commercial spraying licenses.
The board also approved surplusing an older road mower and discussed an upcoming $66,000 payment for a tractor. Commissioners debated whether the county treasurer should have standing authority to cash CDs between meetings to meet immediate cash needs; no formal resolution was adopted at the meeting, though commissioners asked staff to continue the conversation and said any transaction would require sign-off and a paper trail.
Ending: Commissioners directed staff to proceed with the gravel purchase and prepare paperwork for the mower surplus and tractor payment; staff said they will continue the superintendent recruitment and report back to the board.
