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Pulaski drainage board approves 2026 ditch certification; members weigh drone spraying versus ground crews
Summary
The Pulaski County Drainage Board approved the 2026 ditch certification and discussed contractor bids, including Barry Marsh at $141,117.40 and Heritage Drone at $177,001.65, with members noting drones worked well on smaller brush but are less effective on taller trees.
The Pulaski County Drainage Board approved the 2026 ditch certification of collections during its Jan. 20 meeting. "I will make a motion to approve the 2026 Ditch Certification of Collections," a board member said; members recorded ayes and the motion passed.
Staff reviewed contractor bid totals for ditch work. Examples cited in the meeting record included Barry Marsh with a grand total of $141,117.40; another line item labeled Right of the Way at $202,815.26; and Heritage Drone listed at $177,001.65. Board members debated the merits of drone spraying versus conventional ground crews.
One board member who observed last year’s drone trial said the drone "did the job of burning the smaller little trees and brush and stuff," but acknowledged taller trees were harder to treat from the air. Members agreed that drone work can reduce ground disturbance on lightly vegetated ditches and suggested ordering additional drone treatments on selected ditches this season to compare results.
The board also discussed contractor experience and pricing; staff noted Oscar has been the low-cost operator in previous years and is familiar to county practice. The board did not award a single large contract at the meeting for all ditches; it approved the certification and discussed next steps for bid decisions and possible selective drone treatments.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the 2026 ditch certification, approved claims and approved minutes from Dec. 15 (voice votes, ayes recorded).
