Commissioners authorize quotes for bulk fuel and get road, equipment and budget updates

Roosevelt County commissioners received a series of operations updates on April 15 and authorized staff to solicit quotes related to bulk fuel procurement.

County Manager Annette Kirk reported crews are blading routes, trimming trees, cleaning cattle guards and patching roads; equipment has been moved, serviced and is staged for the next projects. She said laptops for commissioners have arrived and admin is interviewing for an administrative assistant (34 applications, 10 interviews scheduled). Kirk also said the Sundale Solar project team will begin contract negotiations with Commissioners Paul Grider and Roy Lee Criswell when meeting dates are set, and she provided preliminary budget workshop dates (April 28—29 and May 6).

On bulk fuel, Commissioner Malin Parker said he contacted a supplier and suggested even a modest savings—"even a savings of ten cents per gallon could be a massive savings"—would be worthwhile. Manager Kirk noted the county must follow a bid process and that existing tanks would require inspection and re-certification; she also raised card readers and other security features as additional costs. Commissioner Parker moved, and Commissioner Paul Grider seconded, to obtain quotes on fuel, tank inspections and software; the motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Why it matters: fuel procurement, tank compliance and security measures can produce recurring operational savings for road operations but require upfront procurement and compliance costs and formal bid procedures. Commissioners scheduled budget workshops that will consider personnel and salary items, including a requested salary workshop by Commissioner Criswell.