Public works outlines preventive maintenance; 1095 culvert bids range from $219,000 to $397,500

Jesse Wallen of Linn County Public Works and county mechanics briefed commissioners on the department's preventive maintenance program, describing routine oil sampling at 250 hours, 500-hour oil changes, and manufacturer inspections at 1,000 hours using vendor telemetry (VisionLink) and service plans. Staff explained that some catastrophic failures occur without prior warning and that extended "premier" service plans cover many components but can exclude certain sensors and electronics, making preventive inspections an important management tool.

The commission also heard bids for the 1095 culvert replacement project. Bidders reported: Z&M Construction and Land Development (Garnett) — $397,500; Ozark Lo Construction — $309,721 (3-inch asphalt option) / $293,721 (2-inch option); Neal Excavating LLC (Bethany, Missouri) — $219,000. Commissioners instructed staff to review submissions and bring a recommendation at next week's meeting.

Commissioners and staff discussed next steps for paving spots where culverts had been replaced and scheduling overlay work on the north half of 1095. No award was made at this meeting.