Daggett County tables decision on Dutch John Airport preservation bid after budget shortfall

The Daggett County Commission on a temporary recess on an airport pavement project after staff reported a budget shortfall and laid out funding options.

Presenter (S3) told the board the project drew five bids, two of which were nonconforming, and that “there's $75,863.20. Deficit in the budget.” He said the state has committed $20,000 and proposed the county cover roughly half of the remaining shortfall—about $38,000—while noting the second-low bidder was only about $5,500 higher than the low bid.

Board members discussed three paths forward: the county could add the additional funds to accept a bid now; the board could reject all bids and re-advertise in the fall hoping prices stabilize; or the county could advertise multiple airports together and apply to CIB for a loan/grant mix that would enable a higher-quality surface treatment. "We would ask that 1 for basically the 60 at this airport, the $60,000 is what we would be asking CIB for," Presenter (S3) said when describing a possible CIB request.

Commissioners also raised timing concerns: full resurfacing was described as unlikely for several years, and participants flagged that doing only crack sealing now might be inefficient if a full rehabilitation is needed later. Chair (S1) said staff should review the county budget before making a final commitment.

With a noon hard stop approaching, Committee member (S2) moved to table the bid award until next week so the commission can review budget options and await additional information. The motion to table carried by voice vote. The commission recessed until 1:00 p.m.