Commissioners authorize grader purchase, probe asphalt plant problems and sign Jayhawk bridge agreement

Bourbon County commissioners authorized public-works director Kenny Allen to execute a sales agreement for a new road grader and approved related infrastructure items while staff reported a deteriorated asphalt plant that may require major repairs.

Allen explained two financing options for the grader: a higher annual payment that finishes with a $1 buyout after eight years, or a lower annual payment that would leave a roughly $72,800 balloon payment at term. He recommended the $1 buyout option; the board voted to authorize Allen to sign the agreement, subject to verifying signature authority and budget availability.

The board also approved an 80‑foot culvert permit at 2185 Hackberry Road and signed the next‑phase Jayhawk bridge agreement, with the county’s expected contribution described as 10 percent of a project the group estimated near $1,000,000.

Kenny gave an extended update on the county’s asphalt plant: consultants said the plant uses older tank technology and may be unsafe or inefficient. The county is holding roughly $31,000 worth of oil in an affected tank (staff estimated up to $50,000 when accounting for partially filled tanks). Vendor quotes and repair scenarios ranged widely — a Vista tank quote was cited at $286,000 (not including installation costs), a full plant rebuild had previously been estimated around $1.4 million, and staff said they would explore used tanks (potentially near $100,000) and interim contracting with private asphalt suppliers to keep roads moving.

Commissioners directed staff to confirm warranty/PM details with vendors (Foley and Cat were referenced for maintenance) and to present a financing recommendation and procurement route at a future meeting.