Jackson County supervisors approve final payment on federally funded road project, multiple permits, licenses and hires

Jackson County supervisors on Tuesday approved release of retainage to complete a federally aided construction contract, cleared multiple utility and driveway permits, issued two retail alcohol licenses and confirmed three county hires and one long-term appointment.

The actions concluded routine county business while closing out a project that had been delayed by a Department of Transportation audit. The moves affect local road maintenance, utility work in several townships and staffing for county offices and the sheriff's department.

Jaden Schekel, Esquire, told the board the originally awarded bid totaled $659,050.01 and the “total final cost of the project is slightly less than that at $659,012.70.” He said the delay between project completion and final payment resulted from a DOT audit of the federally funded work, which examined construction and material inspection records.

County staff identified the final payment as the release of retainage for the contract; a staff member identified in the meeting as Ken stated the retainage amount being released was $19,770.38. Supervisor Nin moved to approve the final payment; Supervisor Mike Steinas seconded. The board voted and the motion carried.

Other permits the board approved included a new pole and transformer installation for Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative at the intersection of Caves Road and 170 Second Avenue, and an underground fiber-boring permit for Preston Telephone adjacent…