Fallon County road staff map emergency suppliers, push for MOUs and a generator‑driven pump

Fallon County road and emergency officials reviewed local resources for a potential dam or flood response and agreed to formalize access to contractors and material stockpiles.

County staff said the last page of the packet will list contacts including Fallon County Road Department and private suppliers; staff will confirm that local firms (Griffiths/Griffey and others) maintain riprap, fill and sand stockpiles so crews can rapidly load material in an emergency. The group discussed ordering an inventory of empty sandbags (a pallet was suggested) and storing them in a county shed to speed a future response.

Road representatives argued for buying a large electric pump that runs off the county’s generator rather than a PTO tractor pump. They said a generator‑driven unit is easier to site for longer runs and provides stronger sustained horsepower for transferring water from lagoons or ponds. Staff recalled renting a high‑capacity pump during a previous response and recommended pricing comparable units and checking road‑department capital outlay for possible purchase.

Several participants urged getting written MOUs with local contractors and pit operators. One staff member said the MOUs should allow the county to direct loading of riprap and gravel from pre‑identified piles and to have contractors respond quickly if a dam breach or rapid inundation occurs. Staff agreed to draft MOU templates and reach out to named contacts.

Next steps: staff will confirm contractor availability, price pumps and sandbag pallets, draft MOUs and include the contacts and proposed capital purchase in the next departmental budget discussion.