Nicholas County raises road supervisor pay, directs staff to seek truck bids

Nicholas County commissioners voted to raise the county road supervisor's hourly pay from $16.50 to $17.50 and agreed to pursue bids or purchase options for a new short-bed truck for the road department, the commission said at its meeting.

The raise was approved by voice vote after a motion by Mister Holbrook and a second by Mister Matthews; commissioners set the increase to take effect Jan. 13. Commissioners discussed that the previous supervisor had been paid $17.40 and that the current supervisor had been at $16.50 for about two years; the increase was presented as bringing the position closer to prior levels given added responsibilities.

Road Supervisor Mister Dunn described operational needs that shaped the truck conversation: his longest winter route takes about four to five hours and some tight roads would be easier to service with a shorter truck. Commissioners discussed options including a 3/4- or 1-ton short-bed truck with a blade and salt spreader, and whether to buy used or new equipment. Dunn and other commissioners agreed to visit dealers, identify what size and configuration best fit their routes, and return with specifics so the county can prepare bid specifications.

Commission staff said the road fund, not the general fund, would be used for any truck purchase and that payments would come from that separate account. Commissioners discussed the county's recent experience with used vehicles and the potential contract/bid timelines for ordering specialized vehicles.

No formal purchase motion was made at the meeting; commissioners authorized staff and the road supervisor to research vehicles and return with recommended specifications and cost estimates so the commission can decide whether to advertise bids or purchase directly.