Estimate for 1850 Road repairs nears $1 million; commissioners discuss funding and overtime approval

The Linn County Board of Commissioners reviewed an engineering estimate for repairs to 1850 Road and discussed how to pay for work that county staff said could total roughly $1 million.

Jesse Walton, public works director, presented an estimate from Peppercorn Engineering for work on 1850 Road described in the meeting as a “high‑risk rural road.” Walton said the engineer’s estimate included overlay, patching, traffic control and striping and that the total for the project — including related segments — placed the county near $1.0–$1.1 million.

“Even if we just look at the overlay at $218,000 on this bid… that’s still a lot more than I thought the whole job was,” a commissioner said while reviewing the estimate. Walton and commissioners noted a grant would cover part of the cost: Walton said a grant in the discussion covered approximately $303,100 plus an additional roughly $80,000 identified in the estimate.

Commissioners reviewed the balance in the Special Road and Bridge fund. Staff reported that, after year‑end movements, special road and bridge totals were $1,742,000. County staff noted prior transfers and earmarks could affect available funds.

Separately, Walton asked for and received approval to authorize overtime for the road department because of recent flooding. A commissioner moved to allow overtime for the week of June 9 for the road department; the motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.

Commissioners emphasized they must identify funding sources before sending the full project to bid. Walton said the decision point is whether the county is “comfortable spending at this level from the start” and noted additional work for the same corridor may be planned in subsequent years.

The county will continue to refine the estimate and confirm grant and fund availability before authorizing a bid process.