Alfalfa County officials on an administrative meeting moved to advertise bids for a District 2 bridge project, discussed raising the county travel/mileage allowance and recorded a $100 donation from Lincoln 4‑H.

County Clerk Michael Ashbrook read an item noting that Garrett Johnson’s two‑year term is up for renewal and requested the matter be placed on a future agenda. The meeting then recorded an affirmative response when members were asked to vote on items presented.

Why it matters: Advertising and awarding bridge construction contracts begins the procurement process that commits county staff time and could lead to future construction spending. Changing the county’s mileage or travel allowance affects staff reimbursement policy and budget planning.

Details: A county official asked the board to approve issuing bids for a District 2 bridge project tied to a pay‑for‑roads program. The official provided a schedule and notice requirements: bids will close on Feb. 6 and be opened on Feb. 9; required public notices must be published three times and bid documents left publicly available for four weeks. The official said statutory mailing lists and recipients (construction lists, High Point, Horn, Railroad Yard, Deetz) will receive the bid notice.

On the travel allowance, a meeting participant moved to accept a mileage/travel allowance increase and noted a statute attached to the packet that permits a travel allowance up to $1,000. The packet and the exact statutory citation were not recorded in the transcript.

The meeting also processed a $100 donation from Lincoln 4‑H. Meeting participants discussed that the donation had been deposited Dec. 26 and that the state auditor’s office indicated late recording of donations can be forgiven if recorded at a later meeting; participants recorded the donation in the minutes.

What’s next: The county will advertise the bridge bid according to the schedule given and will place the Garrett Johnson renewal on a future agenda for formal action. No final contract award was recorded in the excerpt provided.

Quote: “I will make the motion to accept the mileage increase,” said an unidentified meeting participant during the discussion of the travel allowance. County Clerk Michael Ashbrook identified himself while reading the appointment item: “I’m Michael Ashbrook, County Clerk.”

The meeting then proceeded with routine signatures and administrative steps required to circulate forms and move agenda items forward.