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Highway department reports two operator resignations, equipment work and fleet-conversion discussions
Summary
Adams County Highway Department reported two truck driver operator resignations, routine maintenance activities (crack sealing, brushing, upcoming seal coating), building finish work still incomplete, and internal discussion about converting existing chassis to new storm-extreme bodies versus purchasing new chassis.
Adams County Highway Department staff reported two truck driver/operator resignations, ongoing maintenance work and steps being considered for the department’s vehicle asset schedule.
Pat (Highway Department staff) told the committee two driver operators resigned — one took a township position and another moved out of state — and the department has posted vacancies with the posting scheduled to close the following Monday. Pat said the department will review applicants and move to interviews.
Pat reported routine maintenance activities: crack filling on County Z (cleaning and resealing rather than routing), brushing near Little Rush Creek Bridge on County J, cutting out pavement on County Z north of Delwood, and scheduling County J for seal coating this year. He said the County M seal-coating contract remains open and staff expect to finalize that contract by the next meeting.
Pat also reported building work at the highway department (interior wainscoting and a retaining-wall cap) is nearly complete but awaiting delivery of the cap. Work is being performed in winter conditions with tarping and heating as needed.
On fleet planning, Pat described conversations about converting existing tandem chassis to "storm extreme" bodies rather than purchasing brand-new chassis, noting chassis lead times and costs. He said typical chassis prices are about $175,000 each and that a truck conversion could cost roughly $170,000; the department is weighing how far back in the fleet to extend conversions. Pat said storm-extreme bodies have performed well and that the department also maintains 4 dump-style salt trucks (two active, two standby). He noted that using salt brine effectively on county sections requires tandem-axle chassis for sufficient volume and range.
Committee member Scott asked timetable questions about equipment conversions; Pat responded that no firm decision or purchase was imminent and that staff are discussing options and the asset-replacement schedule for 2026. Pat said a vendor had held a spot for a chassis but the county released it because they were not ready to finalize a purchase.
