Commission awards heavy‑equipment contracts, approves asphalt‑index amendment for county resurfacing

The Christian County Commission on Feb. 19 approved procurement actions for the highway department, awarding an annual heavy‑equipment contract and adopting an amendment to the countywide resurfacing contract to allow index‑based reductions.

A purchasing agent summarized ITB/ITV 2026‑2, noting heavy equipment (excavator, loader, grader, skid steer, roller, dozer, backhoe, tractor, brush cutter, and trucks with plows/spreaders) and reported three bids were received. "Dream Ranch Office Supplies did not provide valid references for heavy equipment services," the purchasing agent said, and recommended awarding the heavy‑equipment contract to Daryl Mrocek Construction and Rob Muellenberg Excavating. Commissioners discussed typical hourly pricing (about $100–$200, depending on equipment and mobilization) and the benefit of having two local vendors that complement each other.

On a related procurement item, the commission approved Amendment No. 1 to ITV 2025‑2 (countywide road resurfacing and aggregate). The amendment, approved by county counselor Austin Fox for all eight vendors, applies a standard asphalt price index so the county can realize cost reductions when oil/asphalt prices fall. As the purchasing agent explained, the amendment "allows us to reduce costs when the price of oil goes down" and uses a referenced index (the county will use the prior month’s index at the time of paving). Presenters said the amendment does not allow vendors to charge above contract levels; if prices rise above contract amounts the county would pursue a separate amendment or rebid.

The commission approved both the heavy‑equipment contract award and the resurfacing amendment by voice vote. Commissioners noted modest savings examples (a cited Prairie Ridge project of ~1,400 tons showed an estimated $2,000 reduction) and said the amendment gives the county flexibility to add roads if funds permit.