Lincoln County funds new spray truck as Noxious Weed superintendent seeks hires and tech upgrades

Todd H. Hearnen, Lincoln County’s Noxious Weed Superintendent, updated the commissioners on new mapping and documentation technology and the department’s operational needs, and the board approved purchase of a new spray truck.

Hearnen told the board the department has started using RA Navigator GPS units and a field laptop running Weedmapper to record exact spray locations and acreage for state reporting. "This new tech allows us to be able to prove that we sprayed certain locations," Hearnen said, and he described using drone video for before‑and‑after documentation. He said he has done close to 100 inspections already this year and documented thousands of acres of noxious weeds.

Hearnen also described plans to pursue biological control agents (Canada thistle rust fungus, flea beetles and others) and said the department is hoping to hire four seasonal workers for the 2026 spray season. On equipment, he presented bids for a new spray truck: the dealer quote with trade and a limited dealer incentive produced a net cost of $41,344. Commissioners briefly discussed trade vehicles (a 2006 Chevrolet with ~78,243 miles and a 2012 F‑250) and agreed to proceed. A motion to purchase the 2026 Ford F‑250 for the Noxious Weed Department at a net cost of $41,344 carried on roll call.

Why it matters: better mapping, documentation and dedicated equipment will help the county meet state reporting requirements, defend spray operations against disputes, and expand control options for persistent invasive species. The approved truck purchase is funded from the department’s equipment budget line.

Next steps: staff will complete the purchase and process the trade; Hearnen expects field hires to start as weather allows.