Public Works Committee approves 2026 snowplow blade quotes despite 108% price jump

The Oneida County Public Works Committee on July 9 approved vendor quotes for 2026 snowplow blades despite a roughly 108% jump in the cost this year.

Highway Commissioner Ben Rich told the committee the larger increase reflected market conditions and technical trade-offs: "flame-hardened blades require replacement five-times as often the carbide blades, which increases labor costs and potentially discourages use of underbody plows," he said. Member Billy Fried asked where the additional roughly $100,000 needed to cover higher inventory costs would come from; Rich replied that the increased inventory cost is recorded as an expense to equipment as blades are replaced over time.

The motion to approve the 2026 blade quotes was made by Greg Oettinger and seconded by Bob Almekinder; the minutes record the motion as carried but do not list a roll-call tally. Committee discussion flagged lifecycle costs and service implications for field crews, and members noted the county could consider buying surplus inventory if prices fall in the future.

Next steps: procurement will proceed under the approved quotes and staff will continue tracking lifecycle costs for blades to inform future budgeting.