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Bonner County approves road equipment purchases and airport bid advertisement; emergency fuels contract OK'd
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Summary
The board approved purchases for a Kubota mini‑excavator ($81,154) and a 6‑column truck lift ($54,819) for Road & Bridge, authorized bid advertising for runway repairs at Priest River Airport (100% ITD grant), and approved a Back 40 Forestry contract for hazardous‑fuels work funded by an Idaho Department of Lands grant.
Commissioners approved several capital and contract items affecting county infrastructure and emergency management.
Road & Bridge Superintendent Tom Cobman presented procurement results for a Kubota KX057‑5R3AP mini excavator, explaining Idaho procurement guidance (Idaho Code 67‑2806) and providing four quotes; Boundary Tractor Company submitted the low bid at $81,154. Commissioners discussed equipment standardization across three districts to avoid frequent hauling; the board voted to approve the purchase from the capital heavy equipment line.
Cobman also presented bids for a heavy‑duty, six‑column truck lift to support heavy truck maintenance in District 2 (Priest River). Best Buy Automotive & Equipment bid $54,819 (low bid), with other bids substantially higher; commissioners asked about differences in features and experiences with the manufacturer. After discussion the board approved the truck lift purchase from the same capital equipment line.
Airport staff asked the board to advertise bids for runway and apron pavement maintenance at Priest River Airport (marking removal, crack sealing, seal coat and new pavement markings). Director Shook said the project is 100% funded by an Idaho Transportation Department grant with no county match. The board authorized bid advertisement and administrative signature.
Emergency Management Director Bob Howard requested approval of a contractor agreement with Back 40 Forestry for hazardous wildland fuels treatment under the county's Bonfire Program; the contract will be paid with an Idaho Department of Lands grant and requires no county match. The board approved the contract by roll call.
Votes on the purchase and contract items were recorded by roll call; funding for the two Road & Bridge purchases comes from capital heavy equipment line 002‑9520 (unobligated amount before purchases was noted at $230,200). Commissioners clarified that obligating the excavator reduces the available funds for subsequent items and confirmed remaining line balance before approving the second purchase.
