Valley County commissioners accept Sampson Trail low bid, approve fair events and facilities work, reinstate pickleball power and deny tariff change order

VALLEY COUNTY, July 30 — The Valley County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday opened sealed bids for the Sampson Trail pathway and accepted a low bid with a post-opening review requirement, approved agreements for fairground events and improvements, authorized restoring power at the Lake Fork pickleball courts with future power costs to be covered by court revenues, and rejected a contractor request to pass tariff-related material cost increases through a lump-sum contract.

The actions were part of a broad buildings-and-grounds and Road & Bridge agenda that also included contractor and consultant approvals for road safety work and a new local supplier charge account.

The commissioners opened two sealed bids for the Sampson Trail phase‑2 pathway project. Director Dave Bingman read the bids into the record and described the prequalification process used to shortlist firms. “I just have two bids for you guys to open,” Bingman said as the board unsealed proposals. The low bid — recorded in the meeting as $239,430 from Fowlbee Earthworks — was moved for acceptance and seconded with the contingency that staff complete a full review to confirm required bonding, insurance and licenses are present before final award. The motion carried.

Why it matters: the Sampson Trail work would extend the existing route; commissioners noted the prequalification step allows evaluation beyond price when choosing a contractor.

The board approved two fairgrounds items from Buildings and Grounds staff. Commissioners authorized the Colton Jones Memorial Junior Rodeo special-event agreement for use of Valley County property at the fairgrounds after staff confirmed the applicant provided the required insurance. Buildings-and-Grounds staff noted an administrative cover sheet on the contract had an incorrect date (a cover sheet showed 07/08/2025 while the event is August 7); staff confirmed the signed contract itself lists the correct event date and said they would correct the cover page.

Commissioners also approved work to add a balcony to the concession/announcer stand at the fairgrounds. Buildings and…