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Commissioners discuss lake-project bidding and potential conflict-of-interest for lake manager
Summary
The board debated whether lake manager Jay Shepke's company may bid on dam projects, discussed the engineer's role as project manager and the need for public clarity to avoid perceived conflicts of interest.
Commissioners raised procedural and ethical questions after board discussion that the county's lake manager, Jay Shepke, and his company may bid on forthcoming dam projects. Chair brought the topic to the board to clarify procurement roles and public perception before any bids are issued.
Commissioners emphasized the engineer would be hired to design projects and serve as project manager, with day-to-day inspection and sign-off responsibilities. One commissioner said, "If Chase's company wants to bid, where do those bids go?" The chair confirmed bids are submitted to the board of commissioners and discussed that the engineering firm prepares bid specifications and the board receives bids. Members asked staff to develop clear public-facing procedures so bids by the lake manager's company would not appear to give that company an unfair advantage. The board agreed to discuss conflict-of-interest safeguards and the project-manager question in a future work session before finalizing bid procedures.
