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Commissioners approve road permits, direct staff to pursue WYDOT surplus trucks amid maintenance strain
Summary
Big Horn County commissioners approved right-of-way permits and a 30-day permit-window language change, authorized staff to pursue WYDOT surplus dump trucks when available, and heard engineers warn the department may need roughly a $10,000 augmentation later in the year to cover higher-than-expected costs.
Bruce Jolley, a county commissioner, called the March 18 meeting to order and the board immediately addressed Engineering and Road and Bridge operations. Road and Bridge staff reported multiple maintenance needs, including trees left in a right of way near Burlington, culverts scheduled for spring installation ahead of irrigation, and damage to Highway 433 caused by a collapsed pipe that is affecting county roads and may require a WYDOT-planned detour.
Engineering staff said a leased crack-sealing machine was delayed until October–November; a DuraPatcher will be used for interim repairs. Staff also said they remain on the state surplus list for WYDOT dump trucks and requested permission to pursue purchases as units become available; by consensus the commission approved pursuing surplus trucks when offered. Road and Bridge foreman Mann reported an out-of-service semi with repair or replacement costs in the roughly $50,000 range and was authorized to search for replacement options.
Commissioners approved specific actions during the meeting. Commissioner Dave Neves moved to approve right-of-way permits for Road 11 and Lane 5½; the motion was seconded and carried. Bridges presented draft permit language that limits work to a 30-day window without a written extension request; Neves moved to adopt the language change, and the motion passed. Bridges also reported the engineering budget is running about 10% over expected expenditures and anticipates requesting an augmentation around $10,000 later in the year, though commissioners signaled revenue uncertainty and possible future cutbacks.
The commission discussed several service and maintenance clarifications: most cattle guards adjacent to state highways are WYDOT’s responsibility (the county identified at least one county-owned guard in Emblem that needs repair), the Cannery Road pipe has been sleeved successfully, and a Beaver Creek crossing repair will be inspected though repaving may not be immediate. Bridges said staff will work on RAMP updates this spring but emphasized a number of updates are administrative rather than substantive policy changes.
Next steps include contacting WYDOT about detour options for Highway 433, Bridges’ plan to monitor the Beaver Creek repair, and staff pursuing surplus truck purchases and options for the out-of-service semi. The commission approved the permits and language changes and gave staff consensus authority to pursue the equipment and other routine maintenance measures.
