Grant County Weed Board approves DOT spraying contract, Bug Day payments and OnStar for spray truck

CARSON — The Grant County Weed Board on April 15 approved a set of routine operational items, including a Department of Transportation contract to spray DOT roads, payments for the annual Bug Day event and reinstallation of OnStar on the spray truck to enable data‑logger features.

Finance: Weed officer and secretary Merlin Leithold reported a fund balance of $184,071.01 before tonight’s bills, which totaled $787.96. Itemized bills included a WRT phone charge of $85.96 and board salary payments: Leonard $119.80; Dick $80.60; Drew $129.60; Denis $145.00; Walker $118.40; Justin $108.60. Drew Gaugler moved to accept the treasurer’s report and pay bills; Walker Sabin seconded and the motion carried.

DOT contract: The board approved repeating the Department of Transportation contract for 2025, a $9,200 agreement to spray DOT roads with reimbursement from the state. Walker Sabin moved to approve the contract; Dick Woodbury seconded and the motion carried.

Bug Day: Board members authorized holding the 29th annual Bug Day, approving payment of $700 to Lorele and hiring sweepers at $15 per hour, the same rates used last year. Walker Sabin moved to hold Bug Day with those payments; Justin Vetter seconded and the motion carried. Merlin said he will also contact Morton County about joining the event.

OnStar and data logging: Merlin said OnStar must be reactivated to provide Wi‑Fi for the spray truck’s data logger system; estimated cost is about $10 per month. The board approved reinstalling OnStar (motion by Walker Sabin, second Denis Tibor). Merlin noted obtaining a separate cellular line would likely cost about $40 per month, making OnStar the more economical choice.

The board set its next (budget) meeting for June 17, 2025, at the courthouse in Carson and adjourned at 9:16 p.m.