Broadwater County weed board weighs trailer repairs, pickup purchase and Silos site plans

Board members discussed operational items including equipment repairs, procurement priorities and use of county-owned property at the Silos site.

Jessica (staff member) said the older trailer used by crews needs four new tires, welding on the passenger-side wheel well and has lost its assisted lift; she asked the board to price repairs versus replacement and to provide quotes for tires and welding. Members debated whether it would be more economical to repair the existing trailer or to purchase a new trailer, and agreed to seek estimates; they also said they would continue searching for a pickup using budgeted truck funds before the fiscal year ends.

On the Silos property, a commission member reported the Silos building recently closed and that several storage units are empty; the county has an interest in the site and discussed options for storage, search-and-rescue staging, space for the sheriff and a potential community meeting area. Board members noted the Silos campground is Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) property; the weed board has treated the campground and adjacent areas and plans to continue treatment until a concessionaire or manager can take on the work. Jessica said she had emailed BOR seeking clarity about concessionaire plans and noted the county owns nearby docks that might be transferred or sold in the future.

The board also reviewed seasonal operations: crews are onboarded and starting work in local areas, weather has slowed some work, and scheduled training includes Southwest Area Crew sessions later this month in Whitehall. Jessica said the board will schedule airport treatment before a fly-in event and treatment at a gun range per requests.

The board set its next meeting for June 16 at 7 p.m. and adjourned.