Clark County authorizes bids to spend remaining compost grant funds and approves giveaway to clear inventory

Clark County’s fiscal court on Feb. 17 authorized procurement steps and a short-term public giveaway to use remaining funds from a $272,000 compost grant.

A court member told colleagues that about $80,000 of the grant has already been spent and roughly $170,000 remains, and emphasized the money must be spent by June 1 or be returned. The court voted to authorize Scott and Brandon to obtain three bids or quotes from licensed and insured contractors to install a septic tank, run water and electrical service to the compost building, and to price completion of an expansion.

"We have approximately about a $170,000 remaining... this has to be spent by June 1," a committee member said, explaining the procurement request and the need to follow procurement guidelines requiring multiple bids. The court directed staff to follow procurement rules and present the bids and a fiscal report at the next meeting.

Members also discussed operational improvements at the compost/road site, including options for phone access and whether to provide cell phones for staff. The court asked for a price summary on communications options at the next meeting.

Separately, after noting the site is ‘‘absolutely bloated to the ground,’’ the court approved a limited public giveaway of compost for personal use, proposed for early March and contingent on weather and advertising. One member opposed proceeding immediately, citing past staffing and revenue concerns; the motion nevertheless passed with dissent. The court tasked Public Works with advertising and running the giveaway and to return with logistics at the next meeting.

Court members asked staff to ensure grant-required advertising and documentation so the county does not jeopardize the remaining grant funds.