County staff update commissioners on bridges, roads, bids and equipment upgrades

Facilities and public-works staff gave a multi-item update May 5 covering building HVAC work, boiler replacements, road and bridge projects and maintenance activity.

A facilities representative (Mike) said recently upgraded air handlers and a new boiler have improved temperature control and reliability after a prolonged mechanical campaign. He described a glycol-acidity remediation plan that may require a partial flush and periodic additives to extend equipment life and protect roughly 120 VAV units. Routine pipe repairs and mechanical-room work were reported as manageable.

Public-works updates included Buffalo Creek and Herbs Gravel Pit (awaiting DEQ permit), ongoing engineering at Grey Reef and Badwater bridges, and East Salt Creek right-of-way work (property owners received compensation and survey work was imminent). The Scott Creek bid letting was canceled and rebid after many contractor questions and addenda; staff expect rebid results later in the week. Staff also recommended lifting county burn restrictions that evening.

Financial and insurance items presented included preliminary property-insurance assessments rising from $689,869 to $703,379 year over year, liability decreasing from $392,600 to $374,012, a $1,500 increase for fair and rodeo event insurance, and a $2,000 decrease in cyber insurance. Staff also reported starting an RFP for drug and alcohol screening services (~$12,000 annually) and that the county will need to set the treasurer's bond amount per statute before a future meeting.