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Carter County weed board raises cost‑share, approves continuous spraying plan and moves to buy new spray pickup
Summary
The county weed board voted to increase herbicide cost‑share rates (50% up to $750 for purchased herbicide; 25% up to $500 for herbicide used), approved a plan for targeted continuous roadside spraying coordinated with the road department, and authorized pursuit of a new spray pickup and sprayer package (budgeted under capital) subject to procurement rules.
The Carter County weed board approved several operational changes and capital steps aimed at strengthening noxious‑weed control across county roads and public areas.
Board members voted to raise the herbicide cost‑share incentives to 50% up to $750 for herbicide purchased through the Wheat District and 25% up to $500 for herbicide applied through the district. The board recorded that the budgeted amount ($7,500) would still cover the proposed increase based on 2024 expenditures.
The weed board also instructed staff to develop a coordinated plan with the road department for continuous roadside spraying in 2025 focused on sections where grading and ditch work have spread invasive species. The preliminary herbicide estimate for 33 miles (one side) was roughly $735; members discussed nozzle sizes, spray reach and risk of erosion if vegetation is removed without mitigation. The board directed collaboration with extension and road crews to pair spraying with reseeding and erosion control where needed.
Separately, the board authorized moving forward with purchase plans for a new gas‑chassis pickup and a commercial sprayer unit. Cost estimates discussed on the record put the combined truck/flatbed/sprayer near $80,000; board members noted the county must manage procurement rules (formal bidding if the combined purchase exceeds procurement thresholds). Members also discussed auctioning obsolete equipment once replacement assets are in service.
Staff were asked to finalize procurement details, schedule spray days and begin seasonal hiring outreach for the summer spray crew.
