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Keith County commissioners approve front‑mount 'retriever' discs to maintain gravel roads
Summary
The board unanimously approved ordering front‑mount retriever discs from Lycocks Enterprises to help retrieve shoulder gravel and reduce road maintenance costs; commissioners cited a $1,500 per‑unit discount and an expected 12% price rise if ordered after Jan. 1.
Keith County commissioners voted unanimously to approve ordering front‑mount retriever discs to help maintain county gravel roads. The devices, quoted from Lycocks Enterprises, are intended to retrieve shoulder material and redistribute gravel onto road surfaces; the county plans to keep one unit in each road district and run them about three times a year.
Roads Superintendent Thomas presented the quotes and said the manufacturer offered a $1,500 per‑unit discount if the county places the order this calendar year. He told the board that manufacturers expect a roughly 12% price increase beginning in 2026 and recommended logging the order now and completing the purchase in February or March when units arrive.
Thomas described operational benefits and a brief cost‑benefit estimate: “these will pay for themselves within the first 3 years,” he said, arguing the equipment would reduce repeated motor‑grader hours and gravel consumption. He also explained the county will initially fit the three existing John Deere motor graders with the retrievers and plan for hydraulic kits on future purchases rather than retrofitting.
Commissioner Anderson moved to approve placing the order; Commissioner Irvin seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval.
Next steps: staff will place the order to reserve the quoted price and return with purchase details, delivery timing and final accounting entries when the units are received.
