Versus Engineering pitches local bridge inspection services to Clinton County commissioners

Joe Clark and Bailey Spear of Versus Engineering presented an overview of their bridge inspection work and capacity to inspect and report on bridges in Clinton County at the Feb. 4 Clinton County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Clark said he has more than 30 years of experience in bridge inspection, beginning inspections in 1994 with H. Stewart Klein Associates; that firm was purchased by Versus Engineering in February 2017. Clark said Versus focuses on preservation and rehabilitation recommendations so counties can get the best value from limited repair budgets. "I'm more on the side of, 'here's your data — here's what you can probably do to help improve your bridges at the best price possible,'" Clark said.

Bailey Spear, who grew up in Clinton County and joined Versus full time after internships, described hands-on inspection experience and said the firm's inspection schedule aligns with the county's major inspection window (April–May of even years). Clark added the firm keeps inspection equipment ready and customizes report deliverables to each county's maintenance capabilities, aiming to deliver actionable recommendations rather than raw data.

No formal vote was recorded on the presentation. Commissioners thanked the presenters and indicated the county would consider bids and options for bridge inspection services as part of its procurement process.

Ending: The presentation concluded with commissioners expressing appreciation and no immediate contract award; county staff will include the firm in vendor consideration if the county proceeds with hiring bridge inspection services.