County reviews annual aerial mosquito-abatement contract with JHS Inc.; prices rise slightly

Cascade County commissioners reviewed contract 25-31, a proposed annual agreement between the Cascade County Weed and Mosquito District and JHS Inc. to provide aerial mosquito-abatement services. A county staff member described the contract terms and per-acre rates.

The staff member said the contract sets a $6,500 mobilization fee, a rate of $19.50 per acre for aerial granular applications, $18.50 per acre for liquid aerial applications, and $665 per hour for aerial adulticide with a 1.5-hour minimum. "Cost is $6,500 for mobilization costs, dollars 19 and 50¢ per acre for aerial granular applications and $18.50 ... $665 per hour for aerial adulticide. 1.5 hour minimums effective as date of signing through February," the presenter said.

Another participant noted the county usually activates aerial abatement on flood years when local waterways rise; the transcript records: "We usually only use it on flood years when the Sun River, the Missouri river comes up." The same speaker said the only changes from prior years were a $1-per-acre increase for granular applications and a longer minimum time for aerial adulticide.

The transcript does not record a formal motion, a second or a vote on the contract. It also does not specify which years the district will use the service or any estimated acreage for potential applications during upcoming flood events. The contract description says JHS will maintain and pay for all permits, fees and licenses related to the applications.