Valley County road and transit updates: plow picks approved, loader repaired and a $4,200 used bus purchased

Valley County road and transit matters were addressed across January meetings as staff sought to maintain winter road safety and keep transit services running.

Road Supervisor James Gibson requested permission to purchase three sets of plow picks at $7,000 apiece to help break up ice buildup on county roads; Commissioners Paul Tweten, John Fahlgren and Jeff Alsberg agreed to the purchase and directed payment from option tax where noted. Gibson also reported the landfill track loader required replacement of a failed hydraulic cylinder, which was scheduled to be replaced the same day.

Transit Coordinator Lisa Murdock said she would rent a van while the county completed state-required paperwork to buy a replacement bus; the minutes note one bus had been destroyed in a fire. After inspecting a used bus in Wibaux and discussing needed repairs, Murdock and commissioners agreed on a $4,200 purchase price.

Other routine road items discussed in the minutes included ordering culverts and responding to resident requests for improved signage at the airport turn.