McDonald County commissioners weigh grader trade-in and contracting to address gravel-road maintenance

The McDonald County Commission discussed trading in older grader equipment and budgeting for a newer model during its Sept. 10, 2025 meeting, and raised the possibility of contracting out grading services to address deteriorating county gravel roads.

The commissioners said they have spoken with a dealer to identify a model that would meet the county road department’s needs and that equipment replacement would be considered during preparation of the 2026 budget. They also noted a shortage of qualified grader operators, which has contributed to a growing maintenance backlog on gravel roads and prompted consideration of contracting services to accelerate catch-up work.

Commissioners did not record a formal motion or vote on procurement or contracting at the Sept. 10 meeting. The discussion was framed as direction for staff and as a topic to be resolved during upcoming budget deliberations for 2026.

The county did not provide a timetable for ordering new equipment or for soliciting contracts for grading services; those decisions were described as contingent on the formal 2026 budget process and further staff recommendations.

Next steps: the commission will include equipment replacement and the contracting option in its 2026 budget discussions when it reconvenes.