Ravalli County commissioners approved installation of groundwater-monitoring pipes on 10 county-owned properties on June 10 and awarded the work to Rapid Property Maintenance LLC for $2,250, paid from the Board of Health fines and fees.

Planning and Environmental Health staff said the monitoring will track long-term groundwater responses to precipitation and snowpack at selected county sites and that the locations will be recorded on county GIS maps for future reference.

Conflict of interest and recusal

County staff disclosed that Rapid Property Maintenance is owned by a relative of a commissioner; that commissioner recused from the discussion and vote. Environmental Health staff said they solicited bids; the low bid was Rapid Property Maintenance and staff recommended awarding the work.

Board action and funding

A commissioner moved and the board seconded approval of the Rapid Property Maintenance contract for $2,250 to install ten groundwater-monitoring pipes. Commissioners recorded an affirmative vote and noted Commissioner Burrows recused from the item. Funding was identified as Board of Health fines and fees.

Ending

Staff said the installed wells/pipes will be mapped in the county GIS and noted the monitoring program is intended as a multi-year effort to understand groundwater trends across county properties.