Weston County commissioners voted June 3 to offer a $1.45-per-hour contract rate to interested bidders for the county's 2025 gravel-hauling work, contingent on each contractor providing current liability insurance.

The decision followed a public bid opening at which officials read 12 bids, noting the number of trucks each bidder could provide and hourly rates ranging from $1.25 to $1.65. County staff said two bidders — Triple 7 Trucking LLC and Farnsworth Services Company Inc. — did not provide proof of insurance with their submissions. Commissioners discussed whether to accept the lowest individual rates for single-truck bidders, the risk that a single-truck bidder would not be able to supply multiple loads, and how to ensure enough trucks would be available when needed.

County staff and commissioners reviewed the tabulation of bids, which listed truck counts and hourly rates for each bidder. Commissioners noted that several companies offered multiple trucks at the $1.50-per-hour level and that setting the offered contract rate at $1.45 would guarantee a base pool of haulers while leaving an option to call others at higher rates as needed.

Commissioner Jim motioned to offer $1.45 an hour to interested parties, contingent on active insurance for bidders who had not yet provided it; the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote. Commissioners said the county will prioritize contractors that can supply multiple trucks and will verify insurance before awarding work.

The new rate applies to hauling for the county's road work program; commissioners said they expect to supplement county forces with private haulers to meet seasonal demand. County staff will follow up with bidders missing insurance documents and finalize contractor assignments under the $1.45 offer.

Votes and procedural notes: The board opened and read all 12 bids at the June 3 meeting. After discussion, a motion to offer $1.45/hour contingent on proof of insurance was made and approved; commissioners voiced “aye” with no recorded opposition.

Ending: County staff will notify bidders and confirm insurance before assigning loads under the new conditional rate. Commissioners discussed next steps for making the contract operational and for ensuring sufficient truck availability throughout the hauling season.