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Public works: commissioners approve higher safety allowance, mechanic tool stipend, hire and equipment purchases
Summary
The board increased the employee safety allowance from $150 to $250 annually, approved a $200 yearly tool allowance for mechanics, hired Brian Hughes as maintenance worker effective April 28, and authorized purchases including a Ford F-150 work truck and a roof coating contract.
McPherson County commissioners on April 21 approved a package of public-works personnel and procurement actions, including allowance increases, a hire, and equipment and maintenance contracts.
Public Works Director Dave Bonhambliss asked the board to increase the annual employee safety allowance (for personal protective equipment such as safety boots and prescription safety glasses) from $150 to $250 and to create a $200 annual tool allowance for mechanics. Commissioners approved both measures and clarified unused funds will not carry over year to year.
The board also approved a personnel change: hiring Brian Hughes as a maintenance worker 1, effective April 28, 2025. The motion to approve the PCN was passed by voice vote.
On equipment and maintenance, commissioners approved purchase of a work truck from Midway Motors (Ford F-150) with a not-to-exceed price of $49,847; the board cited a local-purchase preference and a small price difference versus a nonlocal bid. The board also awarded a roof-coating contract for Shop Building B to UTSI Roofing (Partridge, Kansas) not to exceed $48,280, citing a longer no-leak warranty from UTSI.
Bonhambliss said the county plans to reuse the same contractor for upcoming phases and noted several ongoing road and culvert projects. He also reported hiring plans for additional temporary positions and internal promotions in the sign shop and maintenance supervisory ranks.
Votes at a glance: Board approved the safety allowance increase, the mechanics’ tool allowance, the hire of Brian Hughes effective April 28, the purchase of the Ford F-150 not to exceed $49,847 and the roof-coating contract not to exceed $48,280; all motions carried by voice vote.
Ending: Bonhambliss said some projects might be delayed because of rain but that crews and new equipment will keep projects moving through the season.
