Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Highway topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Highway director reports heavy winter salt use; commissioners approve 2025 equipment rates, summer hires and bridge engineering contract
Summary
DuBois County highway officials reported unexpectedly high salt use during winter events, arranged supplemental purchases, and won board approval for 2025 hourly equipment rates, part-time summer vegetation crews and a $93,000 contract for bridge rehabilitation engineering services.
DuBois County's highway department told commissioners it used several hundred tons of road salt during a period of cold weather and snow events and has placed supplemental orders to replenish stock. Department leaders said storage capacity is adequate and the additional purchases fit within the department's budget.
Commission action: Commissioners approved the county's 2025 hourly equipment rates, which the highway director said reflect current FEMA rates and do not include operator or material costs. The board approved hiring two seasonal vegetation-control workers for spring'through-Labor Day duties and a third seasonal operator to run a boom mower on a roughly 90-mile route that would be repeated multiple times during the season.
Bridge contract and other items: Commissioners also approved a short form professional-services agreement with the county's engineering consultant for rehabilitation design of DuBois County Bridge No. 78, with a contract price of $93,000. Staff said the contract included updated terms and conditions and asked commissioners to sign two copies for execution; the motion carried on voice vote.
Salt use and staffing details: Highway staff recounted earlier winter usage numbers: approximately 500 tons in inventory pre-season, 75'80 tons used on an initial storm, and an additional 400'450 tons used during two January snow/ice events. The department arranged for supplemental deliveries (100'125 tons) from out of county to replenish supplies. The director said funds were available in the highway budget for the supplemental purchase.
Why it matters: The equipment rates set the basis for rental/reimbursement calculations (including FEMA work) and seasonal hires allow the department to maintain roadside vegetation and safety. The bridge engineering contract moves a capital repair project forward.
Ending: Staff will finalize the bridge contract signatures, proceed with hiring seasonal staff and schedule the paving and bridge work as weather and contractors permit.
