Keith County approves $450,000 chip-seal program for 2026 amid material shortages

The Keith County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $450,000 budget for next year’s chip-seal program after county road staff warned of tightening supplies of the 1/2-inch chip rock the county prefers.

Thomas, who delivered the county’s road report, told the board the project is planned for June 2026 and that the county’s long-time supplier, Martin Marietta, is directing much of its material to a large Wyoming state project. "The supplier we've used for the last 25 years will not make rock for us this year," he said, and added that Simon has agreed to produce a screened half-inch product for Keith County.

The discussion covered the project’s materials list, a request to lock in rock and hot-mix patching contracts, and a budget contingency in case oil prices rise. Thomas asked the board to "approve, like, $4.50 on the bottom line in case oil prices are up when we get to that," saying he would return to update the board if actual costs exceeded that figure.

Board members noted that the request was a budgetary item and that state law requires county approval for larger expenditures. Schroeder moved to approve the $450,000 authorization; Anderson seconded. The board approved the motion on a roll-call vote: Wartman — Yes; Anderson — Yes; Schroeder — Yes; Crandall — Yes.

Thomas said the county will proceed with ordering rock and materials and work with local contractors on joint-mastic and crack-seal work ahead of the June project. He also explained the county’s plan to order fog-seal oil and chip-seal oil when market prices are available in March.

The board’s vote authorizes staff to proceed under the approved budget; Thomas said he will return to the board for any cost increases that exceed the approved contingency or the overall budget amount.