Jay County commissioners approve highway equipment, aggregates bids and routine administrative items

At their Dec. 22 meeting the Jay County Commissioners approved a package of highway equipment purchases and routine administrative business.

Highway superintendent Bob Howell returned with multiple items. The board approved purchase of a three‑phase air compressor for $2,328.99 (two‑year warranty), two Boss plows from W.A. Jones for $19,579, and concrete work to replace the enclosed salt bay floor with a 40–42‑foot trench drain (Top Shelf Concrete quote $21,350). Commissioners approved the concrete work with $7,500 to come from the 2026 highway building & repairs account and the balance from Cum Cap Development; each motion passed by unanimous vote.

The board opened and accepted annual aggregates bids from US Aggregates and IMI for multiple stone categories and accepted all bids as presented.

Other administrative approvals included a 2026 contract with Jay County Development Corporation for $254,250 (no other changes from 2025); approval of LEAP 365 licensing costs of $36,059.76 for 2026; and approval to sell an obsolete county computer to an employee for $25. Emergency claims to multiple vendors were approved, though the $3,000 claim to ECI Regional Planning District was tabled pending clarification about whether the referenced communities intended to apply for Community Crossings grants.

Retirement Center director Stacey Johnson reported the facility is largely cleared, with donated food and remaining items addressed; maintenance was instructed to prioritize immediate repairs and some items will be placed in a spring auction. The minutes record authorization for the auditor to sign claims and to provide a county credit card for maintenance purchases.