Jasper County approves fire station repairs, sheriff vehicle and mower; tables roof and truck purchases

The Jasper County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 19 approved several smaller capital expenditures while postponing two larger purchases pending additional information.

County Manager Mike Benton asked commissioners to accept a $20,000 low bid from Paul Fields Construction to replace insulation and sheetrock in Fire Station One’s upstairs living quarters and to repair a downstairs public bathroom. Benton said the upstairs ceiling insulation and sheetrock had suffered from repeated roof leaks and that the Paul Fields bid includes removal of contaminated material and electrical work when needed. Commissioner Steven Ledford’s motion to approve the work passed unanimously.

Sheriff Donnie Pope requested authority to purchase a fully outfitted Dodge Durango at $75,000, to be acquired after January 2026. Pope said the Durango is "$8,000 to $10,000 cheaper" than a Chevrolet Tahoe and noted the fleet already includes several Durangos; Chairman Bruce Henry questioned whether the Dodge was "as good" as a Chevy. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the $75,000 purchase with the delayed spending date.

Public Works Director Michael Walsh presented three bids to replace the old public works building roof; Black Dog Roofing bid $51,789 for tear-off, new decking, 50-year shingles, ice-and-water barrier and fascia repair. Commissioners questioned whether asbestos-handling and disposal charges were included in the quoted prices and agreed to table the award until contractors clarify those costs. Commissioner Rob Alexander moved to table the award and the motion passed unanimously.

Walsh also asked to replace an aging Fat Wing mower. He recommended a Bush Hog 2815 flex wing mower; commissioners approved the $26,323.04 purchase unanimously. By contrast, Walsh’s request to replace a supervisor truck was put off: he reported final vendor pricing was not available and commissioners asked staff to return next month with exact figures.

Coroner Bill Norris requested a replacement stretcher; after reviewing options and high prices for power models, he recommended a 900-pound-capacity model available from Ward Mortuary Service for $2,900. The board approved the $2,900 purchase unanimously.

Several other capital items were discussed and tabled for more bids or details, including a laser-grade infield request from Recreation Director Keldrick Davis and an irrigation repair estimate. Benton also previewed courthouse flooring bids for future consideration and described options to add the Senior Center parking lot to an upcoming county contract to reduce costs.

The board’s approvals were funded from available fund balance where noted; staff will return with clarified asbestos-handling costs for the roof and firm pricing for the truck request at the next regular meeting.