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Mitchell County supervisors weigh vehicle purchase as bridge work stalls and snow staffing tightens
Summary
County engineer told the Board that a bridge project is unlikely to finish before spring because of weather‑dependent concrete work, and warned the county is short of seasonal snow‑removal staff, prompting discussion of buying a used conservation truck for secondary roads.
The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors heard an update Dec. 9 from the county engineer about equipment needs, bridge construction delays and shortfalls in seasonal snow‑removal staffing.
The county engineer (Speaker 7) said contractors have about "7 and a half days left to complete the project," but weather has made concrete and surface work impractical this winter. "I just don't think right now that anything is conducive to getting this bridge opened again" before spring, he said.
On equipment, the engineer described an opportunity to buy a used conservation vehicle the county's conservation board is selling. He noted the tradeoffs: lower mileage and existing outfitting versus losing some expected resale revenue. "If you want us to sell it to the road department, we can," he said, adding the county could also buy new on state or government pricing but may face waiting times to receive vehicles.
Board members discussed budget accounts and how the secondary road fund differs from the general fund, with Speaker 7 noting secondary roads are funded mainly by the rural fund and road taxes. The board signaled consensus that, if the road fund budget permits, acquiring a ready‑outfitted vehicle could be acceptable to meet near‑term needs.
The engineer also sounded an alarm about seasonal staffing. "We are short 2 people right now, probably 3 soon," he said, describing longer routes and limited ability to clear gravel or "level B" roads during storms. He said the county plans to advertise for full‑time positions because part‑time applicants have been scarce.
Board members said they would inform the public that snow removal may take longer on gravel routes and encouraged patience as the county works to fill positions.
The board took no formal procurement vote during the meeting; staff were directed to continue work on budget and transfer options and to report back with contract or purchase details.
The bridge update and staffing concerns represent near‑term operational issues the county expects to manage into the next calendar year.
