Fallon County approves $35,000 plow conversions and gutters as commissioners finalize winter prep

Fallon County commissioners voted to convert two county dump trucks to front-plow trucks and to install gutters and snow guards on county maintenance buildings as part of winter preparations.

The board approved a motion that included converting two dump trucks to accept front plows (no wings) and installing gutters and snow guards at the main and satellite shops. During discussion commissioners and staff cited a quoted conversion cost of $35,001.64 for the plow conversions and $7,236 for gutters and associated snow guards. Speaker 2 moved the motion and Speaker 6 seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried.

Staff also reported routine road and culvert work (Barney Gaines driveway, Custer Camp and Northside projects) and said crews are finishing topsoil and seed work. Earlier in the meeting Speaker 3 briefed commissioners on cemetery work: winterizing equipment, filling sunken graves, removing hazardous trees and outstanding quotes for a replacement tractor/tiller for use in Plevna. Speaker 3 relayed a dealer quote for a tractor with tiller and a 48-inch deck; staff noted the older tiller kit is no longer available and that a larger 48-inch unit would replace the previously used 42-inch option.

Commissioners emphasized timing: ordering equipment early in the off-season improves likelihood of delivery by spring, and staff said there is no multi-mower discount under current county purchasing arrangements. The board instructed staff to return with updated salt and plow pricing for motion inclusion as needed.

The vote authorizes county staff to proceed with the conversions and gutter work; staff will report updated numbers to the commission at the next meeting.