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Commissioners discuss Boyce road shop: size, utilities and $250,000 building estimate
Summary
Road and bridge staff and commissioners debated a proposed shop at Boyce to house a plow truck, grader and an extra road worker, covering building size, heat, bathrooms, utilities, and a rough estimate near $250,000.
County road staff and commissioners spent an extended portion of the March 10 meeting discussing a proposed new road shop in the Boyce area and whether to station equipment and an additional worker there.
Carl Knapp, road supervisor, summarized needs: the county wants a shop large enough for a plow truck and a grader — roughly 40 feet wide (to accommodate large doors) and 50 feet deep would be the minimum, he said. Commissioners and road staff debated heating options (infrared vs. floor heat), ventilation for thawing wet equipment, and whether to stub plumbing and drains in the slab for future bathrooms. Knapp and other speakers noted the nearby Boys Community Hall and firehouse location; using or co-locating with existing facilities was discussed but county staff said on-site heated space is preferable for vehicle readiness.
Knapp estimated construction costs based on a recent Al Zeta shop: the Al Zeta building had a total cost around $175,000 and roughly $73–$110 per square foot depending on how inclusively costs are counted. Accounting for a somewhat larger building, site work, fence and utilities the county’s planning estimate is closer to $200,000–$250,000; multiple participants used a rough figure of about a quarter-million dollars to build a two-bay heated shop with room for future plumbing stubs. Commissioners discussed phasing: pour slab with stubs now and add bathrooms later, install ventilation and ceiling fans to reduce interior condensation, and consider fencing the site to deter livestock or vandalism.
Commissioners also considered alternatives to new construction, including leasing space from the state highway department’s section house near Boyce. Staff were instructed to contact Montana Department of Transportation to determine availability of state-owned buildings for short- or long-term lease. The board placed the Boyce shop idea on the county’s CCIP (Capital Construction and Improvement Program) so it can be prioritized against other capital needs.
The discussion did not produce a final decision to build; commissioners directed staff to research building and utility costs, confirm if a bathroom would be required under county/state code for the proposed square footage, and to contact DOT about leasing options. Road staff will return with a more detailed cost estimate and a recommended site selection for the Boyce shop.
