Resident proposes public livestock scale to support Crawford’s cattle commerce

Rich Robertson told the City of Crawford Council on Oct. 22 that the certified livestock scale once at the West Plains Grain elevator has not been certified since March 2023 and is unlikely to be recertified, forcing area producers to use more distant scales.

Robertson, presenting an agenda request attributed to Alicia Robertson, said a group of private donors and local producers would form a private entity to finance, build and operate a new public livestock scale. He estimated capital costs at roughly $130,000 to $150,000, said partners would contribute equal capital shares and that the project would not require direct city funding. Robertson asked only that the city provide a site or consider a long-term lease on city-owned property such as land near the balloon building off the highway.

City Attorney Edmund and council members responded that selling city property would likely trigger bidding and legal requirements, but a long-term lease could be a possible workaround. No formal motion or vote was taken; the council did not commit to a location or lease and requested further examination of legal constraints.

Why it matters: A certified public scale would reduce travel for farmers and trucks, keep agricultural commerce closer to Crawford and could cut local truck traffic through town. The proposal would be privately funded if partners can secure the estimated capital.

Next steps: The council left the item open for future consideration; city staff and the attorney will need to review legal limits on sale or lease of public property and the council must decide whether to pursue a formal lease or other accommodation.