Commissioners approve $25,000/year temporary‑bridge loan and clear Enterprise contract pending legal, insurance reviews

Staff updated commissioners on a draft agreement and vendor pricing for a temporary bridge at Iowa Mountain Road and reported ongoing conversations with towns and contractors about installation, load limits and timing. Commissioners voted to loan the temporary bridge at $25,000 per year (annual term), with the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said the temporary bridge and timber‑mat options could serve while a permanent solution and bonding discussions with the town of Kingfield move forward.

Separately, a vendor partner presented a fleet‑support plan to quickly secure vehicles and outfit them for county use. Commissioners expressed urgency due to a tight fleet and aging vehicles and moved to approve the Enterprise contract contingent on final legal review, insurance review and administrative signoff. Staff said vehicles could be secured quickly and arrive within approximately 30–40 days after purchase; equipment installation lead time remains the longer part of the timeline.

Why it matters: The county faces a near‑term need for safe passage on a damaged bridge and broader fleet shortages that affect public safety and service delivery. The motions create a pathway to secure temporary infrastructure and expedite vehicle procurement subject to legal and insurance clearance.

Next steps: Staff will return contract language and insurance addenda for commissioner review and provide a timeline for temporary bridge installation and vehicle receipt once purchase orders are issued.